Hannah Stuelke Listed on the prestigious Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Watch List Hannah Stuelke, a standout player for Iowa women’s basketball, has been added to the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award preseason watch list, the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) announced Tuesday, adding yet another noteworthy accolade to her already impressive resume.
In women’s college basketball, the award, which is given to the national player of the year every year, is extremely prestigious. Since the 1978–79 season, the award has honored the best in the sport and is named after the renowned UCLA guard Ann Meyers Drysdale, a pioneer of the game and a member of the Women’s Basketball and Naismith Memorial Halls of Fame.
This award has particular significance for Iowa. With Megan Gustafson winning it in 2018–19 and Caitlin Clark dominating back-to-back years in 2022–23 and 2023–24, the Hawkeyes have already won it three times. Stuelke now has the opportunity to uphold the award in Iowa City and carry on that tradition of excellence.
After a standout junior season, the Cedar Rapids native starts the 2025–26 campaign as Iowa’s top returning scorer and rebounder. She was a model of toughness and consistency, averaging 12.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game over 32 starts. Her season-opening performance was a statement in and of itself: she led the Hawkeyes to an 86-51 victory over Southern with 20 points on 8 of 11 shooting, nine rebounds, one block, and one assist.
On both ends of the floor, it was classic Stuelke—effective, tough, and unrelenting. Earlier this fall, Stuelke stated, “I’ve worked hard to take another step this year.” “The goal is to become the best version of myself for this team, not to replace anyone.” Her trademark is that quiet confidence.
With 11 selections, the Big Ten is well-represented among the 50 best players in the country on the USBWA’s preseason list. These include Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Gianna Kneepkins from UCLA; Yarden Garzon, Oluchi Okananwa, and Kaylene Smikle from Maryland; Olivia Olson and Syla Swords from Michigan; Sayvia Sellers from Washington; and Grace VanSlooten from Michigan State.
The winner will be revealed at the 2026 Women’s Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona, after the finalists are announced at the conclusion of the regular season. The Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis is hosting the USBWA Awards Luncheon, where the formal presentation will be made. Hannah Stuelke’s name might be called on that stage come spring, if preliminary indications are any guide.
