Iowa State Women’s Basketball Faces Uncertain Future Amid Departures

The Iowa State women’s basketball program faces an uncertain future after a wave of roster departures. Several players have entered the transfer portal, leaving only a handful of returnees on the roster.

Key departures and remaining players

Members of the 2024 freshman cohort have largely moved on. Jalynn Bristow and Kelsey Joens transferred after short stints. Addy Brown recently announced she is entering the transfer portal.

• Players who have said they are entering the transfer portal: Alisa Williams, Reese Beaty, Freya Jensen, Jada Williams, Lilly Taulelei, Reagan Wilson, Aili Tanke, and Addy Brown.
• Earlier departures from the 2024 freshman group: Jalynn Bristow and Kelsey Joens.
• As of March 26, the roster included Audi Crooks, Arianna Jackson, Evangelia Paulk, and Kenzie Hare.
• Sydney Harris was the team’s lone senior this season.

Context from recent seasons

The 2023-24 freshman class arrived with high expectations. Audi Crooks, Addy Brown, Arianna Jackson, Jalynn Bristow, and Kelsey Joens helped the Cyclones reach the Big 12 Tournament final. They also won a game in the NCAA Tournament that season.

Those early gains did not produce sustained momentum. Iowa State missed a return to the Big 12 title game. The team barely reached the 2025 NCAA Tournament. In 2026, the Cyclones were eliminated in the first round.

Factors behind the decline

Coaching staff and supporters cited a difficult 2024-25 schedule. Injuries to Brown and Jackson further hampered the team. Expectations were high, but results fell short.

Iowa State ranked in the top 10 early in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. Preseason projections had the Cyclones tied for second in the Big 12. The team finished the season tied for seventh.

Roster rebuilding and recruiting outlook

With multiple departures, the Cyclones must rebuild quickly. Bill Fennelly will begin his 32nd season facing a major roster reset. The program plans to be active in the transfer portal.

Iowa State currently has just one incoming high school recruit committed. Macy Comito, a Carlisle standout who won a state championship, is the lone prospect headed to Ames.

Leadership response and next steps

Bill Fennelly declined to comment through a school spokesperson. Athletic director Jamie Pollard also declined comment. Players who spoke with Filmogaz.com did not publicly explain their decisions.

Audi Crooks told Filmogaz.com on March 25 she remained undecided about returning. The report was updated to include Alisa Williams’ transfer announcement.

The combination of departures and limited incoming recruits leaves Iowa State women’s basketball with an uncertain future. Rebuilding through the transfer portal will be urgent. Success will hinge on retention and timely additions.

Reporting based on coverage by Tommy Birch, Filmogaz.com.