Iowa women’s basketball team concluded their trip to Florida with something unrelated to game plans, scouting reports, or even basketball itself, following their perfect sweep at the WBCA Showcase in Orlando. Instead, the No. 14 Hawkeyes gave fans a lighthearted glimpse into the team’s character away from the court by sharing an insider’s look at their trip to Disney World before returning home.
The right to a little magic had been earned by Iowa. Orlando was unbeaten and full of momentum after the Hawkeyes defeated Miami and then-No. 10 Baylor. The team welcomed the chance to explore the Magic Kingdom like any other group of enthusiastic guests, having already secured a 7-0 start to the season. Additionally, fans were given a lighthearted, behind-the-scenes account of the entire outing by sophomore forward Jada Gyamfi.
Gyamfi led teammates Emely Rodriguez, Kennise Johnson, Journey Houston, Chit-Chat Wright, and seasoned guard Kylie Feuerbach through the park as the unofficial tour guide for the day. Their video tracked the group as they interacted with some of Disney’s most recognizable characters, went on rides, laughed with each other, and explored various areas of the expansive theme park. Gyamfi’s narration brought everything together, encapsulating not only the schedule but also the happiness, humor, and sincere camaraderie that permeated the video.
The Hawkeyes weren’t limited to the rides. Together, they shared glimpses of their “getaway day” and posed for pictures with Mickey Mouse, a must-do stop for any Disney visitor, capturing a unique moment when basketball wasn’t the main focus. Fans found the pictures and videos to be a welcome glimpse into a team that has put forth a lot of effort in the early part of the season.
However, Iowa’s on-court momentum was unaffected by the fun in the Magic Kingdom. The Hawkeyes defeated Western Illinois 86-69 on Wednesday night, just hours after returning from Florida. Even though the season is still in its early phases, the team continues to demonstrate depth, growth, and poise with yet another strong performance.
Addie Deal, a freshman guard, was the game’s breakout star, giving her best performance to date. The native of California scored 17 points on incredibly effective 7-of-10 shooting while setting career highs in points, assists, and rebounds. Additionally, she made three of her four attempts from beyond the arc, providing Iowa with a long-range boost and serving as a reminder to everyone that she is rapidly developing into a weapon in the Hawkeyes’ rotation.
The timing of Deal’s appearance is ideal, particularly since Iowa is going through periods without two of its guards. Despite those absences, the Hawkeyes appeared calm and assured as they spread the ball, accelerated, and relied on their well-rounded roster to complete tasks. Conversations across the country have already started to mention the 7-0 start. Iowa made one of the biggest jumps in the AP Top 25 this week and rose in the most recent USA TODAY Coaches Poll. Another indication that Iowa’s early success hasn’t gone unnoticed is that one of its standout players was named USBWA National Player of the Week, and the team also improved in ESPN’s updated bracketology projections.
The program continues to be active on the recruiting trail off the court. Khloe Nicholson, a highly regarded five-star recruit in the 2028 class, recently received an offer from the Hawkeyes. It’s another indication that the program’s momentum will continue long after this season. Even so, there’s something unique about witnessing a top-15 team enjoy a typical day—laughing on roller coasters, having fun with teammates, and relishing the simplicity of being young athletes creating enduring memories. Not only was the Disney video entertaining for fans, but it also served as a reminder of the human side of a group that is frequently only seen through the prism of rankings and competition.
The combination of serious on-court business and lighthearted off-court bonding appears to be working well for Iowa as they continue their unbeaten streak. This Hawkeye team is demonstrating that they can have fun while staying focused on their objectives, whether they are defeating ranked opponents or posing with Mickey Mouse. And if the season’s early going is any guide, there might still be a ton of unforgettable moments to come, both on and off the court.
