IOWA CITY, Iowa — In a major recruiting coup, the Iowa women’s basketball team has found a replacement for Caitlin Clark, who was recently drafted into the WNBA. According to a source, Villanova guard Lucy Olsen has committed to the Hawkeyes after visiting the Iowa campus. Olsen was ranked third nationally in scoring, with an impressive average of 23.3 points per game. She was named first-team All-Big East and earned the league’s Most Improved Player Award.
Standing at 5-foot-9, Olsen has one year of eligibility remaining. In addition to her scoring prowess, she also contributed heavily on the defensive end, leading Villanova in steals (65) and assists (134). She averaged 4.8 rebounds per game and shot 43.8 percent from the field, with a 3-point percentage of 29.4. Olsen had an impressive 25 games with 20 or more points, including a standout performance where she scored 40 points against Temple.
The addition of Olsen to the Iowa roster comes at a crucial time for the team, as they have lost several key players, including Clark, who was the team’s leading scorer with 31.6 points per game. Alongside Clark, guard Kate Martin, who averaged 13.1 points per game, was also selected in the WNBA draft. Gabbie Marshall and Molly Davis were important contributors as well. Overall, the Hawkeyes will have to make up for the loss of 64.7 percent of their scoring and 59.2 percent of their minutes.
However, the team does have some solid players returning, including second-team All-Big Ten post Hannah Stuelke, who averaged 14.0 points per game, and All-Big Ten Tournament team guard Sydney Affolter, who averaged 8.4 points per game. Reserves Taylor McCabe, Kylie Feuerbach, and Addison O’Grady will also play crucial roles.
With Olsen joining the team, she will step in as the primary point guard, filling the void left by Clark. Stuelke will likely play either forward or post, while Affolter will occupy the off-guard position. McCabe and Feuerbach will have opportunities to contribute in the backcourt, and O’Grady may step in at center.
Furthermore, the Hawkeyes have also made significant additions through recruiting. They have signed five players, four of whom are ranked among ESPN’s top 100 recruits. This includes post player Ava Heiden (No. 42), guard Aaliyah Guyton (No. 58), guard Teagan Mallegni (No. 65), and Taylor Stremlow (No. 94). Additionally, local talent Callie Levin from Solon, Iowa, was named the state’s Miss Basketball.
The addition of Lucy Olsen to the Iowa women’s basketball team is undoubtedly an exciting development for the Hawkeyes. Her scoring ability and all-around game will be crucial in filling the void left by Caitlin Clark. With solid returning players and promising recruits, Iowa has positioned itself well to remain competitive in the upcoming season.