The Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team has built itself into a sustained power in the Big Ten and nationwide over the past few years. There are the big names, such as Caitlin Clark, Kate Martin, and Lucy Olsen, but a major part of the Hawkeyes’ success was the hard work and behind-the-scenes effort put in by Sydney Affolter.
Known as the “glue” for Iowa during her tenure, she was diving for loose balls, playing good defense, and doing the gritty, little things that add up to make the difference in winning and losing in tight games. That is a piece Iowa has been looking to replace after her departure this year, and it seems they are on track to find that player in Taylor Stremlow.
In a report from On3’s Kyle Huesmann, Stremlow has shown the signs of leadership and toughness to step into Sydney Affolter’s space.
“Taylor’s got that Kate Martin, Syd Affolter kind of ability. No matter how she might be playing or how she might be feeling, she’s able to get that out of herself and make sure that everybody else is good,” Iowa women’s basketball head coach Jan Jensen said about Taylor Stremlow.
The native of Verona, Wisconsin, Taylor Stremlow enters her second season with Iowa carrying expectations to take the next step as a contributor for Iowa after she found her footing late in the year last year.
In the Hawkeyes’ NCAA Tournament opening round game against the Murray State Racers, Stremlow poured in 10 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a block in 17 minutes of action to get her feet wet in postseason action.
In her freshman season, Stremlow shot 46.3% from the field, 30.8% from three-point range, and 90.9% from the free throw line. With an influx of very talented, but also very young, players to the roster, Stremlow’s role will be expanded during the 2025-26 season as Iowa revamps its roster to blend skill, grit, and toughness.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: New Iowa women’s basketball ‘glue’ piece emerging
Reporting by Riley Donald, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
