<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1YqKdu_0w8lH5gC00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1YqKdu_0w8lH5gC00" width="1024" height="729" >The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team, after reaching the national title game for two consecutive years and losing standout Caitlin Clark, begins a new chapter with Jan Jensen as the new head coach. The team remains competitive with returning players such as Sydney Affolter and Hannah Stuelka, alongside Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen. Heading into the season, Iowa is just outside the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, ranked as the top team receiving votes. South Carolina holds the No. 1 position, with UConn and USC rounding out the top three.<ul><li>Iowa is unranked in the preseason poll but is the top team receiving votes with 37 points.</li><li>South Carolina, the defending champions, leads the poll with 745 points.</li></ul>State of Play<ul><li>Iowa begins the season with significant changes, including a new head coach and key player departures.</li><li>Despite the uncertainties, the team boasts experienced players who aim to lead in the new season.</li></ul>Iowa's performance early in the season will be critical to determine its ranking trajectory, with the potential to break into the AP Top 25 if they capitalize on their experienced roster.Bottom LineThe Hawkeyes face a pivotal season as they adapt to changes and seek to build on past successes, making their upcoming games essential for reclaiming a ranked status.</div></body>

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Iowa Women’s Basketball Nears Top 25 Despite Major Changes

The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team, after reaching the national title game for two consecutive years and losing standout Caitlin Clark, begins a new chapter with Jan Jensen as the new head coach. The team remains competitive with returning players such as Sydney Affolter and Hannah Stuelka, alongside Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen. Heading into the season, Iowa is just outside the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, ranked as the top team receiving votes. South Carolina holds the No. 1 position, with UConn and USC rounding out the top three.