Iowa women’s basketball had an undefeated start going into the first week of December, but the news that one of its most cherished veterans would be out for a considerable amount of time put a stop to the program’s successful early-season run. Senior forward Jada Gyamfi is anticipated to miss about three months following a recent knee procedure, according to head coach Jan Jensen’s announcement on December 4. This presents the Hawkeyes with a depth issue as the 2025–26 season approaches the heart of conference play.
Given how ingrained Gyamfi is in the program, Jensen didn’t hold back when expressing disappointment over the setback. The coach also stated that she had complete faith in the senior’s ability to bounce back. Jensen emphasized Gyamfi’s character and Iowa’s expectations for her behind-the-scenes presence even though she is unable to compete by saying, “Though this is an unfortunate setback for Jada, I know that while she rehabs, she’ll continue to be a great Hawkeye teammate.”
Gyamfi has grown to be a recognizable and charming face for many fans who have followed Iowa’s success over the past few seasons. She came to campus as a forward with a lot of potential, standing six feet one inch tall and from Johnston, Iowa. Despite having few on-court minutes throughout her career, her enthusiasm, practice consistency, and contribution to the locker room culture that fueled Iowa’s national success won her the respect of both teammates and supporters.
Gyamfi has scored 55 points and shot an effective 46.8% from the field in 43 career games. However, those figures only provide a portion of the picture. She also contributed to the Hawkeye women’s basketball team’s consecutive NCAA national runner-up runs in 2023 and 2024, two of the most memorable seasons in the program’s history. Her absence feels more significant than the box score might imply because of that experience and her reputation as a consistent, upbeat presence.
However, Iowa is not in a panic. The Hawkeyes, who are ranked No. 12 in the nation and have started the season 8-0, rely on a well-balanced mix of new rotational depth and seasoned leadership. Gyamfi’s injury might not have a significant impact on the team’s nightly output from a production perspective. However, depth is important, particularly in the Big Ten, where tough games and extended conference play often highlight roster weakness.
There are repercussions when a forward is lost for three months. The team will have to maintain its defensive and rebounding consistency, Jensen and her staff may need to modify matchups, and other players may need to take on more responsibilities. Almost every contender encounters this kind of midseason test at some point, and Iowa is currently facing its own version of that hardship. However, there is a bright side: if everything goes as planned, Gyamfi has a realistic chance to return before the postseason due to his recovery timeline. The potential return of a healthy senior forward in March could provide the Hawkeyes with a significant boost, as they have made deep tournament runs a part of their identity in recent years.
The schedule doesn’t slow down as Iowa navigates the upcoming months without her. The Hawkeyes’ Big Ten regular-season debut is scheduled for Saturday, December 8, at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. There, Iowa will play Rutgers at 5 p.m. CT; FS1 will broadcast the game. The Hawkeyes have an opportunity to establish the standard for conference play, improve on their perfect record, and demonstrate how they handle their first significant roster challenge of the year.
Gyamfi’s path briefly switches from preparing for games to recuperating. The season continues with an additional degree of resolve for Iowa. And Hawkeye supporters have clear expectations: that the senior forward’s recovery proceeds without hiccups, that her leadership will continue to shine through in the locker room, and that she will return to the field when it counts most.
