“Facing the Fire: Iowa State Women’s Basketball Gears Up for Grueling Non-Conference Challenges”

Iowa State women’s basketball coach Bill Fennelly set the tone for the upcoming season early on, delivering a bold message to his team during their annual preseason meeting: brace yourselves for a challenging non-conference schedule against powerhouse opponents like South Carolina and UConn.

The announcement, recounted by Iowa State guard Arianna Jackson at a recent We Will Collective event, immediately sparked a mix of anticipation and determination among the Cyclones. “He was just like, ‘We’re going to be playing South Carolina and UConn, so, we better get ready,’” Jackson recalled, highlighting the gravity of the upcoming matchups.

Heading into the 2024-25 season with heightened expectations, Iowa State understands that their non-conference slate will serve as a true litmus test. With three Final Four teams from the previous season on their schedule, the Cyclones are gearing up for a series of daunting challenges.

“It’s going to be a challenge, especially because we have a lot of new pieces this year,” acknowledged Iowa State post player Audi Crooks. “But no good team goes untested.”

Last season, despite a roster heavy with freshmen, Iowa State exceeded expectations by reaching the Big 12 Tournament title game and securing an NCAA Tournament bid. Their impressive run came within one victory of advancing to the Sweet 16, setting a strong foundation for the season ahead. Now, with the core of their roster returning—including their top three scorers—the Cyclones are poised to build on their successes.

The pivotal non-conference matchups loom large in their preparation. Scheduled to face reigning national champions South Carolina in the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off on November 28, followed by a showdown with perennial powerhouse UConn in the Invesco QQQ Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase on December 17, Iowa State is embracing the opportunity to compete against the best.

While the complete non-conference schedule is yet to be unveiled, a clash with in-state rival Iowa, who recently made back-to-back trips to the national title game, adds another layer of intensity and rivalry to Iowa State’s season outlook.

“We definitely had a feeling going into the season that we were going to be playing a little bit higher competition,” Jackson remarked. “So, we’re excited to be able to do that and have that opportunity.”

Crooks drew parallels between the upcoming non-conference battles and Iowa State’s thrilling second-round NCAA Tournament matchup against Stanford, where the Cyclones nearly upset the Cardinal in overtime. That game not only showcased their potential but also raised their profile on a national stage.

Reflecting on their offseason improvements and strategic additions through transfers and incoming freshmen, Iowa State is confident in their ability to make significant strides. “I think we’ve made a big jump,” shared guard Kelsey Joens. “Just the growth that we’ve made over last year and so far in the offseason is huge. We’re looking forward to it.”

Inside the Iowa State locker room, the confidence is palpable. Crooks expressed optimism about their prospects as national contenders, buoyed by the blend of experience and fresh talent now at their disposal.

“We have a majority of our starters, the majority of our minutes coming back and then adding some experience with transfers and great shooters and great players overall,” Crooks affirmed. “I think we have a really good chance of being a national contender.”

As the Cyclones brace themselves for an exhilarating season filled with high-stakes matchups and potential breakthrough moments, their journey epitomizes the resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence that define Iowa State women’s basketball. With eyes set firmly on the horizon, they are prepared to seize every opportunity and write the next chapter of their storied program’s legacy.