An emotional era for Iowa women's basketball has ended. The Hawkeyes' March Madness run concluded with a stunning double-overtime upset loss to Virginia. Now, key seniors are reflecting on their careers.

Kylie Feuerbach's collegiate career came to an end after spending five years and 135 games with the Hawkeyes. But in an act of gratitude, she did not let a heartbreaking loss define what was otherwise a beautiful five-year journey.

“This moment really is hard,” Feuerbach said after the loss. “But I think you can look back at all the highs that we’ve had. I think they surpass everything else.” 

It took Virginia two OTs to secure the win against the second-seeded team, as Iowa's shooting struggles reflected the whole game. The Hawkeyes made only five of 29 three-point attempts while shooting 37% from the field.

The Hawkeyes reached at least the second round of the NCAA tournament in every single season Fuerbach was on the team. While the 24-year-old's contributions were not reflected much on the stat sheets, it was her defensive resiliency and ability to mark the best players from numerous teams that stood her out in her long tenure.

While an ACL injury shifted her to the sidelines during the Hawkeyes' final four berth back in 2022/23, the American came back stronger next season and contributed close to 14 minutes per game as Iowa finished as a runner-up to South Carolina.

“She’s an aggressive defender,” teammate Ava Heiden said about the fifth-year. “Having her on the court really affects the momentum of the game.” 

It is not the basketball that Feuerbach will miss the most, but the teammates she practiced with for hours on end over the six years of her collegiate career.

“Playing at Iowa, there’s a very high standard that you’re expected to live up to... I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anybody else. It’s been such a blessing. I’m so grateful for all of them.” The 2026 All-Big 10 Defensive Selection said.

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Along with Feuerbach, the Hawkeyes also bid adieu to Hannah Stuelke, another senior who played alongside Caitlin Clark. While she was not in tears, the 22-year-old spoke fondly about a bright Iowa future.

"The young girls on this team are really great, and if they keep growing, they’re going to be spectacular," the two-time Second-team All-Big selection said. "I’m excited to keep watching them and cheer them on, and hopefully they’ll text me if they need any advice. "

Freshman Journey Houston and sophomore Taylor Stremlow also joined in on the conversation, as the duo talked with much respect and admiration towards both Feuerbach and Stuelke, wishing them the best for their future endeavours.

Read more at the She Got Game!

Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi