Gustafson, Megan At Last, She Gets Her Championship Moment Megan Gustafson’s journey has been characterized by endurance, faith, and patience.
She can now officially claim to be a WNBA champion. The first of her professional career and a long-awaited reward for one of the most decorated players in Hawkeye history, the former Iowa women’s basketball star helped her team win the WNBA title, capping off an incredible 2025 season.
It’s a poetic moment. Gustafson, who is renowned for her unwavering work ethic and post-play perseverance, wasn’t always given the easy route. After dominating the collegiate scene, where she won two Big Ten Player of the Year awards and the 2019 Naismith Player of the Year award, she faced the kind of uphill climb that humbles even the best when she enters the WNBA. She fought for minutes and showed she belonged in the league while bouncing between rosters after being selected by the Dallas Wings in the second round.
Years later, that perseverance has paid off. Gustafson made a significant impact in a league with a wealth of talent and short-lived opportunities. Her timely rebounds, excellent defensive positioning, and that gentle touch around the rim that Iowa fans are all too familiar with were all crucial contributions she made off the bench during the championship run.
Gustafson’s smile said it all when the final buzzer sounded, ensuring her team’s victory. Even though she wasn’t the most impressive player on the court, her journey added charm to the moment. After the game, she told reporters, “It’s surreal.” “Every obstacle and setback resulted in this. I’m incredibly thankful to have been a part of this unique event. Fans in Iowa City erupted in pride.
Former teammates, coaches, and Hawkeye supporters who have followed her every move since her college days flooded social media with tributes. Her longtime coach, Lisa Bluder, posted an emotional message on the internet: I’m so happy for Megan. She has consistently represented Iowa with dignity, perseverance, and compassion. This title is so richly earned.
This moment feels like fate to anyone who witnessed her dominating in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Gustafson was a player who gave it her all on the court; she was unfazed by double teams and unfazed by the spotlight. She transformed the basics into artistry while playing with quiet assurance. Her legacy transcends statistics, even though her college stats—more than 2,800 points and almost 1,500 rebounds—may never be surpassed. That same grit has been reflected in her WNBA journey.
She has been moved between teams, re-signed, and waived over the years. She never gave up, though. The thing about Gustafson is that her circumstances have never defined her. She is the type of player who shows up, puts in a lot of effort, and improves everyone around her, regardless of how many minutes she logs—30 or three.
For everyone who has followed her journey, this championship feels like a team victory. It is evidence of the culture of the Iowa program and the caliber of players it develops—not just superstars, but professionals who are resilient and consistent. And for Gustafson, this is a confirmation of everything she has stood for, not just the close of a chapter. She has transformed from an underappreciated draft pick to a world champion and from a college sensation to a professional athlete.
What will she do next? Perhaps another attempt. For the time being, though, Megan Gustafson can finally breathe, raise her trophy, and enjoy every second of the moment she has earned, one rebound and one grueling season at a time.
