The Iowa Hawkeyes are on a recruiting hot streak — and head coach Jan Jensen knows exactly who deserves much of the credit: Caitlin Clark.
In recent seasons, Iowa has emerged as a national recruiting powerhouse, landing top talents like Addie Deal in 2024 and five-star forward McKenna Woliczko this year. The Hawkeyes are also in the running for Addison Bjorn, the No. 1 player in Missouri and one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 class.
Speaking during Big Ten Women’s Basketball Media Days, Jensen reflected on how the program’s rise in visibility aligns perfectly with Clark’s era.
> “It’s been an interesting timeframe for us,” Jensen said. “The Big Ten’s expansion came right alongside the Caitlin Clark era. Suddenly Iowa was on every TV, in every highlight reel, and in every news story.”
Clark’s electric play didn’t just elevate Iowa’s performance — it transformed the program into a brand. “At first, it was all about Caitlin,” Jensen added. “But soon, it became about the rest of the team and the style of basketball we play — fun, fast, and built on character.”
Clark’s legacy in Iowa is legendary. From her high school dominance — including a 60-point game and two Gatorade Player of the Year awards — to her record-breaking college career, she redefined what it means to be a Hawkeye.
Now, even in the WNBA, Clark continues to influence her alma mater. Iowa’s national profile, fueled by her success, has made it a dream destination for top recruits. As Jensen put it, “Caitlin moved the needle — and the rest of the world noticed.”
