The Iowa Hawkeye women are used to hosting the firat two rounds of the NCAA Tournament but this week the Hawkeyes hit the road to Norman, Oklahoma. The Hawkeyes are the sixth seed in the Spokane Regional and open Saturday against Missouri Valley Conference champ Murray State. Third seeded Oklahoma is the regional host.

That’s Iowa coach Jan Jensen. The Hawkeyes have won 10 of their last 13 games and are 22-10 on the season.

Jensen is proud about what the Hawkeyes have accomplished.

The Hawkeyes bounced back from a five game losing skid in the middle of the Big Ten season.

That’s senior guard Lucy Olsen who feels the Hawkeyes are riding momentum into the tournament.

The other first round game pits third seeded Oklahoma against Florida Gulf Coast.

BOONE, Iowa – A century after playing championships inside State Gymnasium, the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa State University (ISU) enter an exciting new era together as the IHSAA State Basketball Tournament will move to James H. Hilton Coliseum starting in 2027.

An initial five-year agreement with support from Discover Ames will place the five-day, 32-team boys’ tournament inside Hilton Coliseum as the first-of-its-kind multi-use CyTown district is developed at the Iowa State Center and slated to come online in 2027.

“We couldn’t be more excited about what this opportunity will offer our student-athletes, schools, and supporters as they experience an elite basketball environment at Hilton and an awesome new tournament community in CyTown and Ames,” IHSAA executive director Tom Keating said. “Our sincere appreciation goes to everyone who has helped make this possible at Iowa State University, Discover Ames and Cyclone Athletics.”

Lauded as one of the nation’s finest college basketball venues, Hilton Coliseum boasts consistently strong attendance for the Cyclones’ men’s and women’s basketball programs with a capacity of 14,267, and the programs annually rank among the national leaders in home attendance.

ISU will make facilities at Hilton Coliseum and the attached and updated Scheman Building available for the IHSAA event. Opened in 1971, ISU Athletics installed a new state-of-the-art video board, LED ribbon boards and an audio system ahead of the 2024-25 season and has also completed upgrades to its team locker rooms within the facility. The Scheman Building is in the midst of a significant renovation which has created new hospitality spaces for Cyclone contests as well as other special events that the facility attracts.

The surrounding CyTown district – announced in 2022 and expected to be up and running in 2027 – will feature space for retail, food and beverage, common areas, and a 200-room Marriott hotel, The Cardinal.

“On behalf of Iowa State University, thank you to the IHSAA board, Tom Keating, and Tom’s staff for deciding to bring the Athletic Association’s state basketball tournament to Ames to experience Hilton Magic,” Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. “We are excited to host this great event and our staff looks forward to working with the IHSAA to make this special for the athletes, coaches and fans whose teams reach the state tournament each year.”

“This is a major win for Iowa State University and our communities’ hotels and restaurants,” he added. “It is a great example of the new economic opportunities that CyTown can bring to the Ames community. This will be the first of many such opportunities our community will have in future years, because of Iowa State University’s investment in CyTown.”

IHSAA basketball brings eight qualifiers across four classifications to the state tournament. Since moving to a five-day format in 2018, the event has averaged nearly 50,000 paid attendees with full capacity available.

Ames already hosts over 100,000 youth sports visitors annually through the Iowa Games, Special Olympics of Iowa’s Summer Games, and more.

“We are super excited to partner with Iowa State Athletics and the IHSAA to bring the State Basketball Tournament to Ames and Hilton Coliseum starting in 2027,” said Discover Ames President and CEO Kevin Bourke. “This weeklong event will expose teams and fans from across the state to Iowa State University, as well as create a huge economic impact to Ames while showcasing our wonderful community.”

Ames played host to the IHSAA’s basketball tournament six times between 1917 and 1926, all inside then-Iowa State College’s State Gym. The most recent edition featured a small-school round robin, with Irwin topping Keystone, Grandview, and Lake View for the 1926 Class B title.

The IHSAA concluded its 2025 championships on Friday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, where the tournament has been hosted since 1963.

“We have great relationships in Des Moines and at Iowa Events Center, and we thank them for all their years of support and their continued work in hosting our events,” Keating said.

FUTURE IHSAA STATE BASKETBALL DATES

• March 8-12, 2027
• March 6-10, 2028
• March 5-9, 2029
• March 4-8, 2030
• March 10-14, 2031

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Former University of Iowa pitcher Jack Dreyer has been called up to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Dreyer was named to the Dodgers 26-man roster for the Tokyo Series on Monday evening.

The Johnston, Iowa, native has a 10-2 record and a 2.18 ERA in the minors. He has thrown 124 innings, striking out 164 and allowing a 1.11 WHIP.

Dreyer played for the Hawkeyes from 2017-2020. He had an 8-3 record with a 3.41 ERA. He struck out 76 batters in 60 2/3 innings of work.

The left-handed pitcher was an undrafted free agent signing by the Dodgers.

Dreyer is the fifth player in Rick Heller’s Iowa tenure to get the call to the Majors, joining Nick Allgeyer, Mason McCoy, Tyler Cropley, and Adam Mazur. He is the 10th player to reach MLB who played under Heller, joining Sean Manaea, Dakota Bacus, Colin Rea, Jake Petricka and Ryan Strausborger — all of whom played for Heller at Indiana State.

The Dodgers are facing the Chicago Cubs to open the MLB season today in Tokyo, Japan at the Tokyo Dome.

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State will send three players to 2025 Big 12 Pro Day inside the Ford Center at The Star, March 18-21. This year’s event is the second annual, operated in partnership with the NFL, and will feature more than 200 Big 12 football student-athletes with nearly 300 NFL scouts and personnel in attendance.

The NFL Network will showcase the event as Big 12 athletes begin the next chapter of their careers.

Attending for Iowa State are seniors Jarrod Hufford, Jaylon Jackson and J.R. Singleton.

The event will be televised by NFL Network from Noon-3 p.m. (CT) on March 19 and 20.

Player workouts start at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19 with offensive linemen followed by defensive linemen and linebackers. Running backs and tight ends will kick off the action Thursday, March 20 at 9:15 a.m., followed by defensive backs and quarterbacks.

Big 12 Pro Day is open to the public on March 19 and March 20 from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. (CT) with the March 21 session open from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parking will be available in any of the public garages and lots surrounding The Star.

Cyclone Attendees

Jarrod Hufford – Played in 55 games, starting the final 47 games of his career … made starts at left guard (21), center (14), left tackle (9) and right guard (3) in his career … started all 14 games at center as a senior … two-time All-Big 12 honorable mention pick.

Jaylon Jackson – Played all 14 games in his only season as a Cyclone … carried the ball 93 times for 388 yards and two touchdowns as a senior … in his five-year career with stops at Lamar, Eastern Michigan and Iowa State, he finished with 1,891 rushing yards and eight touchdowns … also had eight receiving TDs in his career.

J.R. Singleton – One of the leaders in Iowa State’s program, Singleton was a Co-Captain in 2024 … he played in 49 career games with 28 starts … finished his career with 75 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks … earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in 2024.

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Maddi Moon has been hired as an assistant coach for the University of Iowa soccer program, head coach Dave DiIanni announced on Monday. Moon joins the staff after spending five seasons as the head coach at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI
“We are so excited to welcome Maddi to Iowa City. She brings with her a competitiveness and work ethic in how she invests in the game of soccer and mentoring female student-athletes that fits in seamlessly to our program. Maddi is a proven winner who has had success both as an assistant and head coach.”

In 2024 the Tritons posted a 14-4-3 record, including a 9-3-2 conference record. UMSL won the GLVC Tournament before falling to Grand Valley State in the opening round of the Division II NCAA Tournament. The conference tournament victory marked the programs first time ever winning the tournament.

Prior to being named head coach at UMSL, Moon served as an assistant coach at Missouri Southern for the 2016 season. Moon then spent three seasons at Central Missouri as an assistant from 2017-19.

Moon played collegiately at the University of Central Arkansas before playing one season professionally with the Melbourne Victory.

The UNI men will visit SMU Wednesday night in the NIT. The Panthers are 20-12 after a third place finish in the Missouri Valley Conference.

That’s Panther coach Ben Jacobson who says the addition of the Crown Tournament in Las Vegas made him feel confident they would get a postseason bid.

Jacobson says SMU will provide a tough test. The Mustangs are 23-10 and finished 13-7 in the ACC.

Jacobson is not concerned about the short prep time.

Jacobson says the Panthers look forward to the challenge.

It is a quick turnaround for the Iowa State women who will take on Princeton in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament Wednesday night at Notre Dame. It is Iowa State’s sixth straight appearance in the tournament.

That’s point guard Emily Ryan who will appear in her fifth and final NCAA Tournament.

Ryan says the time off since the Big 12 Tournament has been valuable.

ISU is 22-11 and sophomore center Audi Crooks says the Cyclones are motivated to show they deserved better than an 11-seed.

Crooks says the Cyclones are confident heading into the tournament.

Wednesday night’s winner will advance to play sixth seeded Michigan.

Ranked 15th in the AP top 25 the Iowa State men are eyeing a deep run as they prepare for Friday’s NCAA Tournament opener in Milwaukee against Lipscomb. The Cyclones are 24-9 and sophomore forward Milan Momcilovic says they are working at cleaning up some details.

Momcilovic feels the Cyclones have the balance needed to make a run.

As a native of Wisconsin Momcilovic is excited about playing in Milwaukee.

Momcilovic believes it will give a lot of ISU fans the chance to make the trip.

The Cyclones are the three seed in the East Region.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Omar Young has been chosen as the new running backs coach for the University of Iowa football program, Moon Family Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz announced on Monday.

Young, 41, who has served as an assistant coach in both the NFL and collegiate ranks, replaces Ladell Betts, who was hired as running backs coach for the New York Giants last month.

“I am excited to add Omar to our staff,” Ferentz said. “He has a track record of building deep relationships with his players at every level and guiding them to success on and off the field. His wealth of experience in both college and the NFL will benefit our players and our entire program.”

The native of Oakland, California, has an extensive resume as an offensive assistant coach, including stints with the New England Patriots (2024-25), Chicago Bears (2022-24), Green Bay Packers (2017-19) and Cleveland Browns (2015-16).

Young also has coaching experience in Junior College, NCAA Division-II, FCS and FBS ranks. He most recently served as one of the running back position coaches for the 2025 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

“I am grateful to Coach Ferentz and the Hawkeye coaching staff for this opportunity,” Young said. “The Iowa program has a tremendous amount of respect across the country. I am looking forward to continuing the tradition that has been built here over many, many years.”

The Hawkeyes, winners of eight games and a fifth place Big Ten finish last season, will begin spring practice on Wednesday, March 26.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The University of Iowa gymnastics team closed out the regular season with a second-place finish at the Minnesota Quad on Sunday afternoon inside Mautri Pavillion scoring a 196.700. This was the GymHawks second-highest score of the season.

No. 15 Minnesota took first place with a 197.150, Long Island University placed third with a 191.900 and Centenary rounded out the standings scoring a 186.600.

Freshman Aurélie Tran brought home her fourth all-around title of the season scoring a season-best 39.500. She also captured shares of the vault, bars and beam titles to cap off her phenomenal freshman regular season. Junior Karina Muñoz finished second in the all-around scoring a 39.350. Junior Gianna Masella matched Tran’s 9.850 on vault also taking a share of the event title. Fifth-year Adeline Kenlin delivered a 9.900 on beam to also share the event title.

BARS
The GymHawks kicked off the meet strong on bars scoring a 49.100 and leading after the first rotation. Tran led the way on the event for Iowa scoring a 9.925, her third 9.900 or higher of the season on the event. Tran captured her fifth bars title of the season. Senior Ilka Juk and Muñoz each landed solid routines scoring 9.825, with Juk matching her season high. Junior Gianna Masella contributed a 9.775 while freshman Sydney Turner scored 9.750.

BEAM
Iowa kept the momentum rolling on beam, scoring a 49.225. The Hawkeyes trailed Minnesota by .025 after the second rotation. Senior Adeline Kenlin and Tran showed out on beam each positing a 9.900, to finish in first on the event capturing their third beam titles of the year. Tran also set a new season high on the event. Muñoz and Juk followed, each posting a score of 9.825. Sophomore Eva Volpe and senior Haley Tyson contributed scores of 9.750 and 9.775, respectively.

FLOOR
The GymHawks posted the highest score of the third rotation on floor, posting a 49.300. Junior Emily Erb led the way scoring a 9.900, taking second-place. This was Erb’s sixth 9.900 or higher of the season on floor. Muñoz delivered a strong performance posting a 9.875. Junior Hanna Castillo and Volpe shined each scoring a 9.850. Tran posted a 9.825 for the GymHawks. Freshman Syndey Turner and Tyson rounded out the lineup with a 9.800 and 9.775, respectively.

VAULT
Iowa closed out the meet with a 49.075 on vault. This was the second-straight meet that the GymHawks eclipsed 49.000 on all four events. Masella and Tran tied for first place on the event each scoring a 9.850. Muñoz followed closely with a 9.825. Volpe and Castillo provided matching scores of 9.775 for the second straight event. Junior Avery Chambers contributed a 9.675 for Iowa.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH JEN LLEWELLYN
“I am super proud of the team’s effort today. The arena was loud, and the team kept their composure from start to finish. Aurélie had a lights out performance and it was her best performance of the year. It’s great to see her be able to reap the rewards of all of the hard work she puts in day in and day out in the gym. The team is right where we wanted them to be heading into postseason. We have gained so much confidence as the season has gone on. This team does everything the right way, they are determined and focused and ready for Big Ten Championships next weekend.”

UP NEXT
The GymHawks will travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the 2025 Big Ten Championships on Saturday, March 22. Iowa will compete in session two beginning at 11 a.m. CT inside of the Crisler Center. All sessions will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.