The Hawkeyes are keen to keep a winning mentality in their program
The Caitlin Clark era at the University of Iowa corresponded to the most successful stretch in program history -- and helped usher women's basketball into a new stratosphere. Clark drew millions of viewers to Hawkeyes basketball games between 2020 and 2024, on her way to setting the NCAA career points record and playing in two national finals for her hometown school.
But Iowa was far from a one-woman show when Clark played there. Like Clark, guard Kate Martin was good enough to make the jump to the WNBA in 2024. To usher in the post-Clark era, All-Big Ten selection Hannah Stuelke and guard Sydney Affolter stuck around to help Iowa qualify for the NCAA Tournament in 2024-25.
A familiar face joins our staff ✨
🔗 https://t.co/16dDAsPpHo@sydneyaffolter1 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/bPCwXYPcXc
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) May 19, 2025
Affolter had WNBA aspirations as well, but after going undrafted last month, she has chosen to enter the coaching realm as a graduate student employee in 2025-26.
"We are thrilled to have Sydney join our staff in this capacity," head coach Jan Jensen said via statement. "Sydney has been a tremendous leader for our program, and I am excited to continue to utilize her skillset as she begins her coaching career. I know our Hawkeye fans will also love continuing to see Syd involved with our program."
Affolter was an All-Big Ten honorable mention in her senior season, when she averaged a career-best 8.5 points and 7.8 rebounds. The Chicago native recorded six of her eight career double-doubles in her senior season, playing a key role in steering Iowa to a six-seed in the NCAA Tournament.
"I'm beyond excited to remain with a program that has given me so much," Affolter said. "It's an honor to give back and support this team in a new role. I can't wait to get started. As always, Go Hawks!"
Related: Caitlin Clark’s Former College Team Gets Major Transfer News on Monday
