The curtain is officially falling on the Caitlin Clark Era in Iowa this season—marking the bittersweet close of a chapter that ignited passion across the state. But here's where it gets emotional: as the No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes step into the 2025-26 season, fans are bracing for the farewell of four key players who helped transform the program. Isn't it fascinating how a single star can elevate an entire team and inspire a generation? Let's dive into this heartfelt transition, exploring the legacies of these trailblazers while teasing the unknowns of what's next.
It's a timeless truth that every great journey reaches its conclusion, and that's precisely what's unfolding for the Hawkeyes. The quartet of remaining athletes—Hannah Stuelke, Kylie Feuerbach, Taylor McCabe, and Jada Gyamfi—will wrap up their careers amid roaring crowds at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. These women witnessed Iowa's meteoric rise to national stardom between 2021 and 2024, including electrifying runs to the national championship games in both 2023 and 2024. Their efforts didn't just win games; they etched themselves into the affections of young fans from Iowa City to Dyersville, motivating countless kids to dream of donning the iconic black and gold uniforms and chasing basketball glory.
Each of these players brings distinct qualities to the court, and just as they entered the scene as a unified group, they'll exit together in a poignant symphony of teamwork and resilience.
Hannah Stuelke
Though she might not be the loudest voice in the locker room, Hannah Stuelke's performance on the hardwood speaks eloquently for itself. Arriving in 2022 during the peak of Hawkeyemania, she's blossomed into a beloved figure among supporters. Her relentless pursuit of rebounds, delicate ball-handling, and lightning-fast movements along the court have become legendary highlights.
Throughout her journey, Stuelke has amassed impressive accolades. These include earning Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year honors in 2023 and securing two Second Team All-Big Ten nods. She's the 44th Hawkeye to surpass 1,000 career points, boasting 11 double-doubles and 10 games with 20 or more points. On February 8, 2024, she dazzled with a personal-best 47 points against Penn State, and she's among the elite 20 players to amass over 1,100 points and 600 rebounds—a testament to her versatility and endurance.
During Iowa's Media Day on Tuesday, head coach Jan Jansen reflected on Stuelke's evolution, noting her growing self-assurance amid her achievements:
'It's been a steady climb for Hannah. She's becoming much more at ease, letting her performance tell the story. We're focusing on that. Her experience at Big Ten Media Day was delightful to watch—she was glowing when we returned. She even remarked that it was fun, which I've never heard her say about media before. Not that she disliked it, but some athletes find it less appealing. She handled it brilliantly and is truly stepping outside her comfort zone for the first time.'
Stuelke herself expresses wonder at how swiftly the years have flown, eager to cherish the everyday joys with her longtime companions, sharing:
'Taylor, Jada, and I have shared the court for six years. It will feel a bit melancholic when it's over, but I believe it's crucial to relish every instant—the highs and the lows—and remain present, since our remaining time is limited.'
Kylie Feuerbach
Building on the legacy of super seniors like Kate Martin, Kylie Feuerbach is gearing up for her sixth and final campaign at Iowa, cementing her status in that prestigious category.
She capped off her most impactful year yet, securing a spot in the starting lineup. In the previous season, Feuerbach topped the team with 43 steals, dished out four or more assists on eight occasions, and posted a personal best average of 6.7 points per game.
As she prepares to depart, Feuerbach hopes to be recalled as a model of adaptability, openness to challenges, and unwavering dedication to her squad, as she stated during media day:
'Accepting whatever role comes my way is paramount for me. My goal is always to contribute positively to the team, regardless of the task—be it on defense, offense, or elsewhere. That's the mark I aim to leave.'
Taylor McCabe
Taylor McCabe's path has been one of steady ascent, evolving from a bench player to a top-tier perimeter marksman. Like Feuerbach, she climbed the ranks by demonstrating reliability, earning trust to fulfill her duties whether relieving others mid-game or anchoring the starting five based on the matchup.
Consequently, McCabe became the 21st Hawkeye to hit 100 career three-pointers, sinking four or more in a single contest ten times and reaching double-digit scoring nine games. She set her scoring pinnacle at 17 points against both Penn State and Nebraska, connecting on 5-for-8 from deep.
McCabe aspires to embody the archetype of a pure shooter for upcoming generations, explaining:
'In shaping our team's basketball ethos moving forward, if coaches point to me as the go-to example for shooting prowess, that would be incredibly meaningful. They often commend my accuracy and that of others. Being singled out in that way would be truly special.'
Jada Gyamfi
With her infectious grin and genuine enthusiasm for the sport and her comrades, Jada Gyamfi has infused the Iowa program with pure delight. Whether cheering from the sidelines by blasting tunes during timeouts or briefly joining the action, she embraced her contributions with unbridled positivity.
On December 2, 2024, she achieved her highest scoring output of seven points versus Bowling Green, appearing in 11 games total. She tallied five points in two of those outings, all while cultivating her off-court persona through her podcast, Get Ready with Jada Gyamfi, on the Taco-Bout Network, featuring past and present teammates.
Pursuing a degree in teaching, Gyamfi keeps her aspirations in broadcasting vibrant, as she shared at media day:
'Opportunities in podcasting and sports commentary are boundless. You never know—while I'm studying to teach, the modern world offers paths in every direction.'
Jan Jansen
This season marks Jan Jansen's second full term as head coach. She stood beside her mentor and friend, former coach Lisa Bluder, through the whirlwind of excitement. In her inaugural year, she steered the Hawkeyes to their ninth straight 20-win campaign, clinched a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and advanced to the Sweet 16. Notably, under her guidance, Iowa upset USC at home on February 2—the very day Caitlin Clark's jersey was retired.
Looking ahead, she'll launch her second season with the program's youngest squad since 2012, over half comprising freshmen and sophomores. Newcomers include freshmen Addie Deal, Layla Hays, and Journey Houston; returning sophomores Ava Heiden, Taylor Stremlow, and Teegan Mallegni; transfers Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright, Callie Levin, and Emely Rodriguez; and junior Kennise Johnson.
Known affectionately as 'Coach J' to the team, she's made a profound impact on the 'Final Four' seniors, as evidenced by their heartfelt testimonials:
Stuelke: 'She's incredibly important to me. I adore Coach J. We've conversed for ages, and it feels like family here.'
Feuerbach: 'I'm deeply thankful to have Coach J as my leader. She's an exceptional coach and an even finer person. Spending daily time with her, witnessing her coaching skills and humanity, has been inspiring as I've seen progress over the past couple of years.'
McCabe: 'She recruited me initially, so this is a complete circle. I've known her and built this bond for so long that she's like a mother figure. Watching her growth parallel mine has been extraordinary.'
Gyamfi: 'Being part of her initial two years has been remarkable. She was my primary contact during recruitment. Observing her achieve her dream of coaching Iowa—likely a lifelong aspiration—has been uplifting. Nothing compares to being on her maiden team and reaching the NCAA Tournament; it's significant for me and surely for her too.'
This upcoming season isn't about discarding the past for something entirely fresh; instead, it's about leveraging those foundations to forge an even more promising tomorrow. Ranked No. 21 in the AP preseason poll, Iowa kicks off on November 3 against Southern University at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. And this is the part most people miss: with such a young roster, could this be the dawn of another dominant era, or will the transition prove challenging? Some might argue that relying on unproven talent risks a dip in performance—after all, the Clark era set extraordinarily high standards. What do you think: Is Iowa poised for sustained success, or are we witnessing the end of their golden age? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you believe the 'Final Four' will inspire the newcomers, or should the team prioritize veterans to bridge the gap? Your opinions could spark a lively debate!
