Midway through, Iowa women’s basketball is improving, and Kylie Feuerbach’s return is a major concern. At this crucial juncture in the Iowa women’s basketball season, the Hawkeyes have much to be happy about, but they are far from content. Even though Iowa women’s basketball has a solid 13-2 overall record at the halfway point, the program’s message is clear: there is still more to be done.
The results seem to speak for themselves at first glance. Thirteen victories, only two defeats, and a team that, in spite of hardship, keeps up its high level of competition. However, if you go a little further, you’ll discover a team that is aware that it hasn’t consistently played its best basketball. Particularly as the Hawkeyes deal with life without one of their most crucial leaders on the court, head coach Jan Jensen and her players have been candid about that reality. Senior guard Kylie Feuerbach, who has been sidelined due to an injury, is that leader. Her absence has had an impact that isn’t always evident in the box score.
Without a crucial leader, Iowa women’s basketball is learning to adjust. Feuerbach’s contributions to Iowa go far beyond just points. She is the team’s best defender, a soothing presence, and someone who knows exactly what Jensen needs from this team. Others were forced to mature swiftly when she fell. Taylor Stremlow, a sophomore guard, remarked, “It’s definitely different (not having Kylie).” “Obviously, we want her on the court, but she has been really involved, leading from the sidelines and trying her hardest.”
The younger players in particular have taken notice of this engagement. Feuerbach is a reliable resource, even when she isn’t monitoring the game, according to freshman center Layla Hays. “When we’re off on the bench, she always has a lot of great words of wisdom,” Hays remarked. “She’s definitely the person to go to, even if I’m just curious about something or don’t know what to do.” Those are significant moments. Having a steady voice close by can be just as helpful as having a hot hand during close games, loud arenas, and moments when momentum swings.
Those are significant moments. Having a steady voice close by can be just as helpful as having a hot hand during close games, loud arenas, and moments when momentum swings. When talking about Feuerbach’s significance to the program, Jensen underlined that point. According to Jensen, “people frequently don’t realize that they just want points.” “It appears that you are not appreciated if you are not scoring. Kylie is a fixer who is composed. She is aware of our goals. When Feuerbach’s injury became apparent during Iowa’s game against Connecticut, the team lacked the ability to “fix” things on the fly. The Hawkeyes didn’t give up, though.
Jensen continued, “She’s a senior that’s been there.” “We find out it’s more serious when you remove her from that lineup, but the team just puts their heads down. We’ve been able to maintain their next-person mentality. Iowa has maintained consistency throughout the first half of the season thanks to this mindset. Rotations have changed, players have taken on more responsibility, and the Hawkeyes have managed to win even when things didn’t go as planned. This stretch may pay off in the long run. Early adversity often gives teams a toughness that doesn’t manifest until March. Learning to persevere through games without a crucial veteran may help Iowa become a more resilient team.
Naturally, restoring Feuerbach’s health is the only option. Her return would provide the Hawkeyes with another leader, decision-maker, and defender who has already experienced the highs and lows of Big Ten basketball. For the time being, Iowa’s priorities continue to be consistent progress and team cohesion. The next chance is not far off. On Sunday afternoon, the Hawkeyes will host the Indiana Hoosiers for a tipoff at 4 p.m. It’s another opportunity for them to gain momentum, hone their identity, and keep developing into the team they think they can become as the season progresses.
