Three key players are exiting Iowa State women’s basketball to enter the transfer portal, including Audi Crooks, Jada Williams and Addy Brown. Kenzie Hare, Alisa Williams, Reagan Wilson, Lilly Taulelei, Aili Tanke and Freya Jensen are also entering, taking the list of players departing via portal to 10.
This has put the program on the defensive. The major reasons behind leaving are being attributed to early NCAA Tournament exit (first-round loss to Syracuse), the changing landscape of college sports, and better opportunities.
In the wake of mass exodus, Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard released a video to settle down the nerves around the program. He talked about several things and admitted that it’s unfortunate to see so many players leaving the program. He also mentioned that they are not the only ones to experience such an exodus in the Big 12. He mentioned reasons behind the transfers:
“Some leave because they are searching more playing time,” Pollard said. “Some leave because they’re homesick. Some leave because they’re disgruntled. And now some leave because they just want the opportunity to maximize their ability to receive revenue from the school they’re at. Know this, regardless of why a student-athlete leaves Iowa State, we’ll always wish them well and thank them for their time as a Cyclone.”
Despite the worrisome signs for the Cyclones, Pollard expressed confidence, taking an example from their own football program who experienced something similar.
“It reminds me of last December with our football program,” Pollard added. “We were down to 17 players and I remember saying to all of you, I can’t guarantee you who will be on the team, but I can guarantee you that there will be a hundred young men that are going to gladly wear cardinal and gold and play football for the Cyclones.”
Pollard also said that rest assured, they are going to take full advantage of the transfer portal and give every resource needed to head coach Bill Fennelly to address the roster.
“I’m confident that given our great crowds and our history and our coaching staff that we will have no shortage of student-athletes that want to transfer to Iowa State,” Pollard said. “And know this, our coaches will have more than enough revenue share dollars to be able to attract some of the best student-athletes possible.”
Iowa State AD Defends Bill Fennelly Despite Shortcomings
In the same video, Jamie Pollard firmly stands behind Bill Fennelly despite a wave of criticism given the mass exodus of players departing Iowa State. Pollard made it clear that Fennelly is not going anywhere, confirming the veteran coach will return for another season.
“We’ve chosen to continue to support Coach Finley’s desire to finish what he started the right way,” Pollard said.
This means Fennelly will return for his 32nd season. Last season, Iowa State collapsed after 14-0 start. Fennelly will hope the same doesn’t happen next season.
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