Lucy Olsen Reflects on Her Special Season with Iowa
As the Iowa Hawkeyes (19-9, 9-8 Big Ten) prepare for their regular-season finale against Wisconsin (13-15, 4-13) on Sunday, senior guard Lucy Olsen took a moment to reflect on her lone season with the team. Olsen, who transferred from Villanova, has quickly become an integral part of Iowa’s success in a season filled with change and uncertainty.
Speaking with the media ahead of Senior Day, Olsen expressed deep gratitude for the welcoming environment Iowa provided.
“This place is special,” Olsen said. “From the moment I got here, it felt like family. The community is incredible, and now that I’ve been part of it for a season, I can confidently say it really is like that.”
When asked about her emotions, Olsen acknowledged how meaningful this opportunity has been for her.
“They took a chance on me, and that means a lot,” she said. “We’ve been through ups and downs, but we never stopped fighting. This team is so special to me.”
Sunday’s game, airing at 3 p.m. CT on Peacock, will likely be the last time Olsen and her teammates play at Carver-Hawkeye Arena this season before heading into the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
Leading Iowa in the Post-Caitlin Clark Era
One of the biggest questions surrounding Iowa this season was how the program would move forward after the departure of Caitlin Clark, a generational talent who elevated women’s basketball to new heights. Many expected a significant drop-off, especially with the retirement of longtime head coach Lisa Bluder.
However, Olsen has stepped in and helped keep the program competitive. While she hasn’t completely filled Clark’s shoes, her leadership and playmaking have been crucial in Iowa’s transition.
Basketball analyst Robin Lundberg praised her impact:
“Olsen has made a name for herself. Keeping Iowa relevant after Caitlin Clark isn’t easy, but she’s helping them do just that.”
Olsen’s ability to lead on and off the court has been instrumental in maintaining Iowa’s status as a top-tier program.
Olsen’s Growth and Performance
During her three years at Villanova, Olsen was one of the nation’s top scoring guards, amassing 1,504 career points and averaging 23.3 points per game in her final season there. At Iowa, she has taken on a more well-rounded role, balancing scoring with playmaking and leadership responsibilities.
- Scoring: 17.9 points per game
- Assists: 4.9 per game (up from 3.8 at Villanova)
- Three-Point Shooting: 35% (up from 29%)
Her standout moment this season came in Iowa’s statement win over USC, where she scored 28 points while outdueling freshman sensation JuJu Watkins. She has failed to reach double figures in scoring only three times this season, proving her consistency and reliability.
Iowa’s Season & Tournament Outlook
Despite significant roster and coaching changes, Iowa has put together a 19-9 record, keeping them in the NCAA Tournament conversation. New head coach Jan Jensen has done a commendable job leading the team through this transitional period.
Alongside Olsen, returning forwards Hannah Stuelke and Addison O’Grady have played key roles in keeping Iowa competitive. While the team isn’t as dominant as it was during the Caitlin Clark era, they have remained a tough opponent and shown resilience throughout the season.
Wins like the upset over USC have demonstrated that Iowa is still a program to be reckoned with. Their performance in the Big Ten Tournament will likely determine their NCAA Tournament seeding, but they appear to be in a solid position to make the field.
As Olsen wraps up her lone season with Iowa, her impact on the program is undeniable. She has helped Iowa remain relevant in a pivotal year, proving that the Hawkeyes can continue to thrive beyond the Caitlin Clark era.
While her time in Iowa City may be short, her contributions have left a lasting mark. With the Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament on the horizon, Olsen still has the opportunity to add to her legacy.
What are your thoughts on Lucy Olsen’s season with Iowa? Share your take in the comments!
