The Iowa Hawkeyes have shifted their focus from a guard-heavy lineup to a team now led by a dominant post player, and that transformation is on full display this season. Two years after Caitlin Clark’s legendary run, sophomore center Ava Heiden has stepped into the spotlight, establishing herself as one of the nation’s top frontcourt players. Her rise has been instrumental in Iowa earning the No. 2 seed in the Sacramento 4 Region for the women’s NCAA Tournament.
Heiden’s growth has been remarkable. Once averaging just five minutes per game, she now starts every contest and leads the team with 17.4 points per game while shooting an impressive 64.7% from the field, ranking third nationally. Her consistent scoring has been highlighted by 11 games with 20 or more points, including a remarkable stretch against Nebraska, Purdue, Michigan, and Illinois where she averaged 25 points per game.
Her breakthrough was especially evident in the Hawkeyes’ February victory over Michigan, when a physical matchup with Wolverine forward Ashley Sofilkanich required officials to pause the game. Heiden responded with an eight-point streak, showcasing a combination of skill, poise, and aggressive mentality that Iowa coach Jan Jensen says is essential for top-level competition. Jensen praised Heiden’s competitiveness, noting that she is learning to handle the pressures of the game while responding to challenges with confidence.
The Hawkeyes’ coaching staff, including assistant Randi Henderson, has played a major role in Heiden’s development. Jensen’s reputation for cultivating post players is evident in how Heiden has adapted to double-teams, sagging defenses, and offensive schemes that maximize her abilities. This growth has also allowed teammate Hannah Stuelke to shift from center to power forward, where she can feed Heiden for efficient scoring opportunities, creating a dynamic inside-out attack for Iowa.
Heiden’s performance this season has been a turning point for the team. She has only three single-digit scoring games all year and hasn’t had one since late December, proving her consistency and reliability. As Iowa prepares for their first-round matchup against Fairleigh Dickinson, all eyes will be on Heiden as she leads the Hawkeyes, combining scoring, skill, and leadership to make a major impact on the national stage.
