Hannah Stuelke has announced her retirement because of her marriage, which brought tears to the team.
IOWA CITY, Iowa: The same objective is whispered to sophomore forward Hannah Stuelke by Iowa women’s basketball assistant coach Raina Harmon at least once a week.
Harmon intends to mention it casually or after a practice following a significant play, hoping that the 6-foot-2 Stuelke will get closer to the actual target with each passing week.
If you ask any member of the women’s basketball team about Steulke, they will just add to the high hopes that the product from neighboring Cedar Rapids has garnered.
Head coach Jan Jensen, a longstanding assistant, remarked, “We have high expectations for her.”
A mural of Hawkeye players may be seen in the middle of the video room at Iowa. Caitlin Clark, an All-American senior outstanding guard, is the focal point of the painting. Stuelke is splitting center with Clark. It’s another sign of how people close to Stuelke see the player’s development.
Stuelke was the Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year as a freshman, and her potential made many excited about what lied ahead for her. Stuelke, who is already a starter, will play a bigger part for the Hawkeyes this season. She will be a vital component of the No. 3 Iowa squad that plays No. 8 Virginia Tech on Thursday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN2) in an attempt to win the national title again.
Speaking with Stuelke reveals a player who is prepared for every situation, for the current season as well as future ones. In the words of another Iowa staff member, “she’s up next.”
Harmon remarked, “She has high hopes.” She observes what Caitlin Clark has accomplished in this situation. She is aware that Caitlin will leave this program at some point in the future, and she is excited about the prospect of taking over as its anchor.
Hannah Stuelke, an Iowa forward, warms up prior to the Ohio State Buckeyes game on January 23 in Columbus at the Jerome Schottenstein Center.
The process of choosing the college where they’ll continue their basketball career usually involves many campus visits, a series of online graphics that gradually reduce down their options to a few colleges, and a dash of suspenseful anticipation for many top-50 high school prospects. For Stuelke, such was not the case.
Growing up, Stuelke was a devoted Hawkeye, with her family frequently going to basketball games where she saw her home team’s stars, including All-Americans Megan Gustafson and Kathleen Doyle, as well as Tania Davis. When Stuelke was in the seventh grade, schools started showing interest in her, but she was set on one.
She was shocked to learn that Iowa was offering Stuelke a seventh-grade position. In the spring of her first year of high school, she committed to Iowa.
As a senior, Stuelke won the title of Iowa Miss Basketball. “Your dreams become reality,” she stated. “I find staying at home to be really cool.”
Stuelke’s first year at Iowa was about getting over the learning curve, just like it is for other freshmen athletes in college. Being a highly anticipated addition to a club that was expected to do well, Stuelke had to pick things up fast, absorb it, and play a part.
Stuelke, who averaged 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds on 61% shooting as a rookie, stated, “I grew up a lot.” “I simply felt that I had to step in and do my part really well. I believe I carried that out.
Steulke declared, “I can’t wait to show people what I can do again.”
At the American Airlines Center in Dallas on April 2, 2023, Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke (left) shoots over Louisiana State forward LaDazhia Williams (right) in the 2023 NCAA national championship.C. GETTY IMAGES – MORGAN ENGEL/NCAA PHOTOS
To be perfectly honest, Iowa hasn’t seen Stuelke’s level of athletic versatility in years.
Senior guard Kate Martin remarked, “I think on one of the first days of our summer practice, when she first got on campus, I watched her for like 10-15 seconds and I was like wow she’s a frickin’ athlete.”
Harmon made special mention of Stuelke’s capacity to take off during her second jump, which is the leap that follows an initial jump against a rival player.
It’s strange. Stuelke, who led Iowa in rebounds per minute played the previous season, was praised by Harmon for her ability to get offensive rebounds through her second leap. It’s a simple thing, but it makes a big difference.
In a team scrimmage against a men’s practice squad in the second quarter, Stuelke shattered the glass to rebound a missed shot. She was able to deflect the ball away from her opponent with her first jump, and then she was able to secure the ball and get up for a putback with her second jump.
“Do you see what I mean?” The Iowa bench was where Harmon could be heard yelling.
Stuelke’s ability to play well as an elbow-driver or as a back-to-the-basket center further demonstrates his versatility. She has the confidence to get to the third level, which is scoring points above the arc, with time.
You won’t be able to stop her if she can shoot 35–40% from three points range, according to Harmon.
