Iowa scores major wins as coach Jan Jensen welcomes new Hawkeyes in 2025-26 recruiting cycle feat. Addie Deal
Iowa Hawkeyes coach Jan Jensen scored major wins in the recruitment front, securing the commitments of five-star guard Addison "Addie" Deal, four-star guard Journey Houston and four-star center Layla Hays on Wednesday.
These additions further strengthen Iowa's core in the post-Caitlin Clark era, particularly the 2025-26 season. This season, the Hawkeyes added freshmen Ava Heiden, Taylor Stremlow, Teagan Mallegni, Callie Levin and Aaliyah Guyton. all of whom represent the future of Iowa basketball.
Deal, Houston and Hays are highly touted players. The six-foot Deal is a natural scorer who loves to push the ball in transition and shoot from deep. She also excels as a playmaker and has a knack for creating opportunities for others, per 247 Sports.
Houston, a versatile four-star guard, is a 36% shooter from the 3-point line. She excels in transition and is a strong rebounder from the wing.
Hays, meanwhile, is a 6-5 center who is among the nation's best finishers around the rim and stands to benefit from Jensen's reputation as an elite developer of post players.
The 2025-26 season could see a powerful frontcourt combination in Hays and Ava Heiden.
Iowa HC Jan Jensen speaks highly of Addie Deal, Journey Houston and Layla Hays
Iowa coach Jan Jensen spoke highly of the three recruits Addie Deal, Journey Houston and Layla Hays. Jansen was thankful to have the players join the Hawkeyes.
"Addie is one of the nation's premier point guards and off guards - she can play either. She has an extremely high IQ, and she is extremely talented," Jansen said of Addie Deal.
"Journey is a hard-working, high-motor kid who just makes everything she is a part of better," she spoke of Houston.
The Hawkeyes coach also expressed excitement to have Layla Hays, a two-time Alaska player of the year, in the lineup for her ability to run the break and score in the post.
"Layla is just a tremendous post player that just about everyone in the country has taken notice of, and we are so fortunate to get her. She's also a tremendous young woman, and we are beyond pumped to have her," Jansen said.
Iowa is off to a 3-0 start under coach Jan Jensen in the 2024-25 women's college basketball season, following a 94-57 win against Toledo on Wednesday.
Hannah Stuelke led five Hawkeyes players in double figures with 17 points and nine rebounds. Lucy Olsen and Taylor McCabe added 14 points each while Sydney Affolter and Addison O'Grady contributed 11 and 10, respectively, for the home squad who made 14 triples.