Iowa State Women's Basketball Lands Transfer Guard From La Salle

Ashleigh Connor, an All-Atlantic 10 Second Team selection, commits to the Cyclones for next season.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:00am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a women's basketball game, with sharp planes of color representing the uniforms of the opposing teams. The image captures the dynamic movement and energy of the sport through Picasso's distinctive cubist style.A cubist interpretation of the transfer of a talented women's basketball player from one program to another, symbolizing the shifting landscape of college rosters.Ames Today

The Iowa State Cyclones women's basketball team has secured a commitment from Ashleigh Connor, a 5'11" guard who spent the last two seasons at La Salle University. Connor, an All-Atlantic 10 Second Team selection, averaged 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.0 steals per game last season for the Explorers.

Why it matters

Iowa State is looking to rebuild its roster after losing several key players from last season's team that was eliminated in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 64. Connor's commitment provides a major boost to the Cyclones' backcourt as they aim to bounce back next year.

The details

After redshirting her first year at Saint Louis, Connor played the last two seasons at La Salle, starting all 62 games she appeared in. She took a big step forward this past season, setting career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game. Connor shot 44.0% from the field, 35.6% from 3-point range, and 80.4% from the free-throw line.

  • Connor played her first two seasons of college basketball at Saint Louis and La Salle.
  • She committed to Iowa State in April 2026 ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The players

Ashleigh Connor

A 5'11" guard who spent the last two seasons at La Salle University, where she was named to the All-Atlantic 10 Second Team after averaging 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.

Bill Fennelly

The head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones women's basketball team, who is looking to rebuild his roster after several key departures from last season's team.

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What they’re saying

“Securing commitments from any players at this point in time in the transfer portal is a win.”

— Bill Fennelly, Head Coach, Iowa State Cyclones

What’s next

Connor will join the Iowa State Cyclones for the 2026-27 season, where she will look to make an immediate impact and help the team bounce back from a disappointing end to the previous campaign.

The takeaway

Iowa State's addition of Ashleigh Connor, an experienced and productive guard from the Atlantic 10, is a significant coup for the Cyclones as they aim to rebuild their roster and return to the NCAA Tournament next season.