Target for Iowa Women’s Basketball Recruiting Vienna Hawkeyes Must Regroup After Murray Commits Elsewhere For several months, Vienna Murray, a rising four-star guard who appeared to fit in well with the Hawkeyes’ fast-paced, high-energy offense, appeared to be one of Iowa women’s basketball’s top recruiting priorities. The East Ridge (Minnesota) standout, however, officially announced her decision on Saturday, announcing her commitment to another program and ending what many fans had hoped would be Iowa City’s next big addition.
Considering how many things Murray did for the Hawkeyes, it’s a miss that hurts a little. She is a long, athletic guard who can score at all three levels and thrives in transition, standing 6 feet 1 inch tall. She is a resilient defender who can cover several positions and plays with a composed assurance that coaches adore. Her ability to lead from the perimeter and her high basketball IQ make it clear why Iowa and a number of other Power Five schools prioritized her.
Over the past year, Murray’s recruitment has accelerated significantly, particularly following her successful junior season in which she averaged more than 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals per game for East Ridge. A consensus four-star prospect nationally and one of the best players in Minnesota’s 2026 class, she had visited Florida, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The Hawkeyes appeared to leave a lasting impression thanks to their devoted fan base and recent national prominence.
However, Murray ultimately made a different decision. Although she hasn’t discussed the decision in great detail in public, people close to her say it came down to fit, both on and off the court. Every recruit has a unique journey, and occasionally the “ideal” basketball scenario doesn’t fit with one’s schedule or comfort level.
This serves as yet another reminder to Iowa of how cutthroat the recruiting industry has grown, particularly in the years following Caitlin Clark. The Hawkeyes are in the running for elite talent every cycle as a result of their ascent to national prominence under Lisa Bluder and, more recently, Jan Jensen. However, that also implies that they are competing for signatures with the biggest names in the sport.
The larger picture is still overwhelmingly positive, even though losing out on a prospect like Murray might seem like a setback. Recruits recognize and respect Iowa’s program’s momentum, visibility, and identity. They play a thrilling style of basketball that allows guards to be creative, shoot, and shine, which keeps top players from all over the nation interested.
It’s also important to keep in mind how frequently Iowa’s staff has produced stars outside of the five-star spotlight. Even though they weren’t necessarily high-profile recruits when they came to Iowa City, players like Hannah Stuelke and Monika Czinano developed into key players in one of the most dynamic programs in college basketball. Not just rankings, but culture, chemistry, and belief have been the cornerstones of the Hawkeyes’ success.
Iowa will still be searching for the next name on their recruiting board as a result of Murray’s decision. The Hawkeyes’ 2026 class is still a top priority, and they should continue to be aggressive in their pursuit of dynamic guards who can lead the team in the upcoming seasons.
Vienna Murray won’t be wearing black and gold, but her story is just another example of Iowa’s continuous recruiting struggles, which are a part of being a national powerhouse. It always hurts to lose a target like her, but if history is any indication, Iowa will find another celebrity eager to take center stage. Because if this program has demonstrated anything, it is that the Hawkeyes never fall behind for very long.
