IOWA CITY, Iowa Addie Deal first career — Addie Deal’s first career start against USC is scheduled for Thursday night when the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team plays USC. The 6-0 guard is prepared to take on a more significant role during a crucial West Coast road trip.
Read: Iowa Women’s Basketball Big Ten dominance continues
Deal will make her first collegiate start after senior guard Taylor McCabe’s season ended due to an ACL injury sustained against Ohio State. This is a significant milestone in a breakout season that has seen Deal go from a promising five-star recruit to a game-changing contributor.
Addie Deal First Career Start vs USC | Hawkeyes Shift Gears After Injury
Deal will make her first collegiate start after senior guard Taylor McCabe’s season ended due to an ACL injury sustained against Ohio State. This is a significant milestone in a breakout season that has seen Deal go from a promising five-star recruit to a game-changing contributor.
Most recently, Deal stepped up right after McCabe’s injury and helped Iowa maintain its perfect Big Ten record by scoring a career-high 20 points, dishing out five assists, and pulling down three rebounds in a commanding 91-70 victory over No. 12 Ohio State.
After that game, Deal remarked, “I’ve been preparing for moments like this.” “I’m going to go out there and give it my all whenever my number is called.”
Jan Jensen, the head coach, agreed, pointing out that Deal’s performance couldn’t have come at a better time. In a recent media appearance, Jensen stated, “Addie’s ready,” as the Hawkeyes got ready for their games in Los Angeles. “She deserves this chance.”
Big Picture: Hawkeyes Still Rolling Through Tough Stretch
Iowa (18–2) has a lot of momentum going into Thursday’s game, including an eight-game winning streak and a quick start to Big Ten play. However, the loss of McCabe, a seasoned floor general, presents a different kind of challenge.
The Daily Iowan That’s where Deal’s development is most important. She has demonstrated the instincts and scoring versatility required to keep defenses honest, even though she is still getting used to the speed and physicality of the collegiate game. All of her season numbers have already improved.
Hannah Stuelke, a senior and team leader, and Ava, a sophomore Heiden offers a reliable, seasoned presence, particularly on the boards and in the paint. As the guard rotation changes, their leadership has been essential to maintaining Iowa’s consistency.
USC Preview: Young Trojans Await Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes travel to USC (11–9) to play the Trojans, who have a fast-paced Pac-12 offense, against Iowa’s disciplined Big Ten attack. USC will try to take advantage of any early transition opportunities because they have been competitive this season.
The Hawkeyes travel to USC (11–9) to play the Trojans, who have a fast-paced Pac-12 offense, against Iowa’s disciplined Big Ten attack. USC will try to take advantage of any early transition opportunities because they have been competitive this season.
Why This Start Matters for Deal — and Iowa
For a freshman who used to be close to the top of national recruiting lists, this first start is more about team trust, leadership by example, and perseverance under duress than it is about individual accomplishment.
This Thursday is a pivotal moment in Deal’s career and the Hawkeyes’ season, regardless of whether she becomes a long-term starter or alternates between bench and starting roles. It’s a pivotal moment that could determine how Iowa plays the remainder of the conference and possibly beyond.
