Iowa women’s basketball is about to enter a new chapter—and Hannah Stuelke is stepping into the spotlight! With superstar Caitlin Clark now dominating in the WNBA, Stuelke is preparing to take over and lead the Hawkeyes to glory. But the big question is: Can Iowa thrive without their once-in-a-lifetime playmaker?

In an exclusive sit-down, Stuelke opens up about her excitement for the season and how the team is navigating life without Clark. “It’s different for sure, but it’s exciting. We’ve got so many new faces, and I’m ready to take on more of the scoring load,” she shares, highlighting how she’s gearing up for the challenge. But there’s no denying the huge shoes left behind by Caitlin Clark, who took the WNBA by storm in her rookie year.

“She texts me every other day just to make sure I’m in the gym,” Stuelke laughs, showing just how close the two still are. But without Clark, the pressure is on Stuelke to rise to the occasion—and she’s feeling the weight of it. “I think we have a lot more opportunities to do different things since we don’t have such a dominant scorer anymore. But I have to step up and score more.”

So, how has the chemistry been without their former leader? Stuelke insists it’s been nothing short of amazing. “We’re really focusing on getting to know each other on a deeper level, off the court too. That’s going to make us stronger on the court,” she explains. With new players and a fresh dynamic, this Iowa squad could be more unpredictable and versatile than ever before.

But don’t think Stuelke’s just focused on basketball. The rising star is looking ahead to the big opportunities coming her way in the future, from fashion to brand deals. “All of it! Fashion, beauty, brands—hit me up!” she teases, leaving fans eager to see her stylish game-day fits that she’s keeping under wraps for now.

And who could forget her jaw-dropping 47-point game from last season? Stuelke recalls the out-of-body experience, saying, “At halftime, I just thought, ‘Dang, I have so many points!’” But don’t think she’s resting on her laurels. “I’ve been working on scoring outside of the paint, and I’m excited to show that part of my game.”

As for her thoughts on Clark’s rookie year? “She’s amazing. She handled adversity on and off the court with so much grace. I’ve learned so much from her.” But now, it’s Stuelke’s turn to shine.

With the women’s basketball landscape exploding in popularity, Stuelke knows the future is bright, not just for herself, but for the entire sport. “It just keeps growing, and by the time I get to the professional level, it’s going to be huge,” she predicts with confidence.

The pressure is on, the spotlight is brighter than ever, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for Iowa’s women’s basketball team this season. But if anyone can handle it, it’s Hannah Stuelke.

Is Stuelke ready to carry Iowa back to the top? Can the team survive without Caitlin Clark? Stay tuned, because this season promises to be a wild ride—and you won’t want to miss it.