The first season without the Division I all-time scoring record (3,951 points) ended in the second round. The effect of Caitlin Clark not being on the team was the point of discussion throughout the season. Even though she was not sharing the locker room with the team, she continued sharing advice, especially with Hannah Stuelke. The two shared a tight bond for two years and after, but the junior forward recently got emotional about another senior’s exit.
“I’m sorry, you started it! Don’t look at me. I’m going to miss her a lot.” After the 96-62 NCAA Tournament loss to Oklahoma, Hannah Stuelke got emotional speaking about the exit of Sydney Affolter. “She means everything; she’s been a great leader; she stepped up every day leading us and I’ve learned a lot from her.” That’s when the reality hit her of doing it all alone without the senior guard.
“And that’s going to have to be me. So yeah, she’s been a really great friend and a great teammate.” Rosalina Lee added on X, the conversation of Stuelke. “Hannah Stuelkes emotional response to to Sydney Affolter leaving the Hawkeyes …Someone please send me something happy today .” This season of transition was difficult not only because Caitlin Clark left for WNBA. Along with her, the Hawkeys lost Kate Martin to the WNBA, plus its chief 3-and-D specialist in Gabbie Marshall and point guard Molly Davis.
Hannah Stuelkes emotional response to to Sydney Affolter leaving the Hawkeyes …
Someone please send me something happy today pic.twitter.com/Fel4IyX8si
— Rosalina Lee (@YoitsRosie) March 25, 2025
Let’s not forget the biggest piece of the puzzle, the winningest coach in Big Ten women’s basketball history. Lisa Bluder retired last off-season. The team started ordinarily with a 2-6 in the Big Ten. But the Hawkeyes turned it around as they won 11 of their final 15 games, including a first-round NCAA Tournament victory against Murray State. Even without these pieces, Jen Jensen and co reached a respectable stage in the first season.
How Caitlin Clark helped Hannah Stuelke this past season
At September’s end, the Hawkeyes announced that they had sold out all 15,000 season tickets for the second consecutive year. Despite CC’s departure, the Hawkeys fans wanted to follow the team, and the WNBA ROTY made sure to pass on the advice.
“Yeah, she texts me like every other day just to make sure I’m in the gym and seriously, where else would I be? But yeah, I think, we just have such a good relationship and we like to keep it fun, so I think just staying in the gym, I guess.” Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke sat down for an interview with CBS Sports to discuss the team’s challenges and shared her bond with WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Previously, when the Junior forward shared photos ahead of the 2024-25 season, CC made sure to keep an eye out.
“Less photoshoots. More work ya got me?” It was a lighthearted jab that perfectly captured their fun dynamic while also reminding the forward to keep her focus on the court. Last year, it was Caitlin Clark; meanwhile, this year, it is senior guard Sydney Affolter who moves on from Hawkeyes. Again, from next season, Stuelke would lead the Hawkeyes and hope to add a championship to her resume!
The post Not Caitlin Clark, Another Iowa Star’s Exit Leaves Hannah Stuelke in Tears as March Madness Dreams Crumble appeared first on EssentiallySports.