The Caitlin Clark era has produced a euphoric and unprecedented ride for the Iowa women’s basketball program, especially over the last two years.

At some juncture, the Hawkeyes were inevitably going to navigate a transition away from the world’s most renowned college athlete and Division I’s all-time scoring leader.

While Caitlin Clark’s unparalleled impact ensures she remains irreplaceable, the Iowa coaching staff, in collaboration with the Iowa SWARM Collective, has adeptly leveraged the NCAA transfer portal to fortify the team’s roster.

Lisa Bluder’s Hawkeyes have made a significant addition to their 2024-25 roster with the acquisition of Villanova point guard Lucy Olsen. Olsen, who ranked as the nation’s third-leading scorer last season behind only Caitlin Clark and USC’s JuJu Watkins, announced her commitment to Iowa on Wednesday night. With one year of eligibility remaining, Olsen brings a wealth of talent and experience to the team.

Olsen’s decision to join Iowa comes on the heels of her official visit to Iowa City, which took place less than 24 hours after Iowa’s eventful night in the WNBA Draft. Her commitment marks a major coup for the Hawkeyes, representing the most significant transfer portal acquisition of the Bluder era. As the 2021 Miss Basketball in Pennsylvania, Olsen averaged an impressive 23.3 points per game for Villanova last season, showcasing her scoring prowess and versatility on the court.

While Olsen’s scoring ability differs from Clark’s, she adds a valuable dimension to the Hawkeyes’ lineup, particularly as they navigate the absence of Aaliyah Guyton due to injury. Olsen’s arrival provides stability at the point guard position and allows Guyton the opportunity to fully recover before being relied upon as a key contributor.

With Olsen’s addition, Iowa solidifies its roster for the 2024-25 season, positioning itself as a formidable contender on the national stage. Olsen’s role as a distributor and scorer will be crucial for the team’s success, complementing the talent of incoming recruits and providing a seamless transition following Clark’s departure.

Looking ahead, Iowa’s schedule for the 2024-25 season promises exciting matchups against high-profile opponents in both nonconference and in-state games. With Olsen in the lineup, the Hawkeyes are primed to make a significant impact and assert themselves as a prominent force in collegiate women’s basketball.