5 Defining Reasons Why Iowa State Women's Basketball Is A Must-Watch In The 2024-2025 Season
The Iowa State Women's Basketball program is buzzing with renewed energy and championship aspirations as the 2024-2025 season gets underway. Following a successful campaign that culminated in an NCAA Tournament appearance, the Cyclones are not just looking to repeat their success; they are aiming to make a significant leap in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference. The blend of seasoned veterans, breakout stars, and a legendary coach has transformed the team into a national must-watch spectacle this current date.
The foundation of this excitement lies in a potent mix of returning talent and new offensive firepower, all operating under the guidance of one of the sport's most respected figures, Bill Fennelly. From clutch, game-winning shots that have already defined their early season to the dominance of their frontcourt, the Cyclones are demonstrating the kind of resilience and skill needed for a deep postseason run. Here are the five most compelling reasons why Iowa State is dominating the conversation in women's college basketball.
The Bill Fennelly Legacy: 30 Seasons of Cyclone Excellence
The heart and soul of the Iowa State Women’s Basketball program is Head Coach Bill Fennelly, who is currently wrapping up his 30th season at the helm of the Cyclones. This milestone alone solidifies his status as a true legend, not just at Iowa State University but across the entire landscape of women's college basketball.
Fennelly has cemented a culture of consistency, having led the Cyclones to 23 NCAA Tournament appearances, a remarkable feat that speaks to the program’s long-term stability. His most recent major milestone was reaching 600 career wins at Iowa State, a number that places him among the elite coaching figures in the sport. The longevity and success of his tenure have created a unique atmosphere at Hilton Coliseum, affectionately known as the "Hilton Magic," where the Cyclones consistently draw one of the nation's most passionate fan bases.
The 2024-2025 season is a testament to Fennelly’s ability to adapt and rebuild. Despite key departures in the past, he has strategically blended returning starters with impactful transfers to maintain a high level of play. His coaching philosophy, which emphasizes strong fundamentals, offensive execution, and community engagement, continues to resonate with both players and fans, ensuring the program's topical authority remains strong.
The Rise of Kenzie Hare: The New Clutch Performer
The most immediate and fresh storyline surrounding the Cyclones is the emergence of Redshirt Junior Kenzie Hare as the team's new clutch performer. Hare, a dynamic guard, has quickly become indispensable, showcasing her exceptional 3-point shooting ability.
Her standout moment of the current season came in a thrilling Big 12 opener where she hit a game-winning 3-pointer as time expired against the Kansas Jayhawks. The 79-76 victory was a defining moment, not only securing a crucial conference win but also signaling Hare's readiness to take on a leading role. A transfer from Marquette, Hare's ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots under pressure provides the Cyclones with the offensive spark they need to compete at the highest level of the Big 12 WBB.
Hare's profile—a 5' 9" shooting guard from Naperville, IL—highlights her journey and the significant impact she's making in her first full season as a primary scorer for Iowa State. Her performance is a major reason why the team is viewed as a legitimate threat in the conference.
The Dominant Frontcourt: The Power of Crooks and Brown
While Kenzie Hare provides the perimeter scoring, the true foundation of Iowa State's success lies in its dominant frontcourt, anchored by star center Audi Crooks and forward Addy Brown. These two players were instrumental in the team’s 23-12 record last season and are expected to be even more formidable in the 2024-2025 campaign.
Audi Crooks, a true center, established herself as one of the most physically imposing and offensively gifted players in the Big 12. Her ability to score in the post, rebound fiercely, and draw fouls makes her a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. Last season, she averaged double-figures, proving she can handle the pressure of being a primary scoring option.
Addy Brown, a versatile power forward, complements Crooks perfectly. Brown's game is characterized by her high basketball IQ, passing ability, and knack for scoring both inside and out. Like Crooks, Brown also averaged double-figures in the previous season, providing a critical second scoring punch in the paint. The synergy between Crooks and Brown gives the Cyclones a unique advantage, forcing teams to commit multiple defenders inside, which in turn opens up opportunities for guards like Hare and Arianna Jackson on the perimeter.
Key Returning Talent and Roster Depth
Beyond the star power of the "Big Three" (Hare, Crooks, and Brown), the Iowa State Cyclones roster boasts significant depth and experience, which is crucial for navigating the demanding Big 12 schedule. The team is building on its success with a core group of six returning starters, a massive boost for continuity and team chemistry.
- Arianna Jackson: A key guard who provides reliable ball-handling and defensive intensity, often tasked with setting the tempo for the Cyclones' offense.
- Alisa Williams: A talented player who adds versatility and depth to the forward positions, capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.
- Reese Beaty: A younger player who, along with others, provides the necessary rotational depth to keep the starters fresh throughout the season.
This blend of returning talent ensures that the team maintains a high level of play even when the stars are resting. Coach Fennelly's recruiting, including transfers like Kenzie Hare and the development of players like Jackson and Williams, showcases the program's commitment to sustained excellence. The team’s offensive efficiency, which ranked 26th nationally last season in points per game (76.8), is a direct result of this deep and balanced roster.
The Big 12 Challenge and NCAA Tournament Aspirations
The 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be a major test for Iowa State, as the Big 12 Conference continues to be one of the most competitive leagues in women's college basketball. With a 12-6 conference record last season and a seventh-place finish, the Cyclones have positioned themselves as a strong contender.
The team's goal is clear: secure a high seed in the Big 12 Tournament and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Last year's performance, which saw them reach the second round of the national tournament, provides a strong springboard. The early-season victory over a tough opponent like the Kansas Jayhawks, sealed by Hare's heroics, demonstrates that the Cyclones possess the mental fortitude and skill to win tight, high-stakes Big 12 matchups.
Fans are packing Hilton Coliseum, creating an electric atmosphere that gives the team a home-court advantage that is hard to match. As the season progresses, the development of the younger players, the consistency of the veteran core, and the strategic coaching of Bill Fennelly will be the deciding factors in whether Iowa State can translate their current momentum into a championship-caliber season.
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