IOWA CITY — Hannah Stuelke walked off the floor at Carver-Hawkeye Arena with tears in her eyes.
Immediately after leaving an embrace with her mom and with the pain of an 83-75 upset loss to end the Hawkeyes season fresh in her mind, the Cedar Rapids native and senior forward took the time to sign autographs for the kids lining the railing of Iowa’s tunnel.
Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke (45) gets a hug as she walks off the court after a second-round game against Virginia in the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
“It means a lot, especially to those girls and boys — everybody,” Stuelke said. “They came and showed up for us, and unfortunately, we didn’t win, but they stil wanted our autograph. They’re super supportive, and giving back is important.”
Fans called out to her.
“You’re such a great player,” one called out. “Hannah, I love you!” called another as she signed a t-shirt then a popcorn bucket.
Stuelke never expected the fan fervor which Caitlin Clark, Kate Martin and Co. ignited during the Cedar Rapids Washington alumna’s first season as a Hawkeye in 2022-23.
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“I didn’t expect it at all,” Stuelke said. “My freshman year was crazy, and it’s been crazy ever since.”
As her college career comes to a close with a pair of National Championship appearances (2023, 2024) and three All-Big Ten second team honors, Stuelke said she hopes to see fans continuing supporting the Iowa women’s basketball program. To her, there’s plenty to be excited about in the next generation of Hawkeyes.
“It’ll be trending upwards,” Stuelke said. “The young girls on this team are really great, and if they keep growing, they’re going to be spectacular. I’m excited to keep watching them and cheering them on, and hopefully they’ll text me if they need any advice.
Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke (45) walks off the court after a second round game against Virginia in the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
“… I hope (the fans) keep supporting and keep watching us learn and grow because, obviously, Ava is going to be a superstar. She already is, and she can only get better.”
She also hopes the fans remember her for what she brought to the program and her growth while a part of it.
“I want everyone to remember my joy, my tenacity, sometimes, but it’s been a lot of fun just learning and growing,” Stuelke said. “I’ve made a lot of growth as a person, not just as a player.”
Stuelke does not what a perfect April and May would look like for her.
“Pass my classes,” Stuelke said. “That’s probably important.”
On senior day, Stuelke’s prepared biographical facts indicated she hoped to play in the WNBA following her time as a Hawkeye. With the 2026 WNBA Draft coming up on April 13, that dream will require more work and more growth of Stuelke.
“I got to make free throws,” Stuelke said. “I got to make threes.”
Her preparation begins as soon as she’s healed from an elbow injury which forced her right arm to be wrapped in an elaborate web of athletic tape under a shooter sleeve for the final four weeks of the season.
“We all have obstacles,” Stuelke said. “It was harder for me to get over, but I pushed through it and I did the best that I could. It’s kind of upsetting for me, but sometimes you just got to move on. My team needed me.
“… I got to get my elbow healed before I can do either of those things. So, lots of rehab this week, and then lots of shots up.”
Ethan Petrik is a University of Iowa beat writer for the Lee Enterprises network. Follow him on X or send him an email at ethan.petrik@wcfcourier.com.
