Iowa Star Hannah Stuelke Goes Undrafted in WNBA

Stuelke's college success with Caitlin Clark did not translate to a draft selection.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented women's basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract scene.Stuelke's college success did not directly translate to WNBA draft selection, highlighting the challenges some standout NCAA athletes face in making the leap to the professional ranks.Cedar Rapids Today

Hannah Stuelke, a standout forward for the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team, was not selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft despite her impressive college career. Stuelke, a 6-foot-2 player from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, averaged 13.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in her final season, shooting 53.6% from the field. However, her lack of elite size and outside shooting ability likely contributed to her going undrafted.

Why it matters

Stuelke's undrafted status is a disappointment for Iowa fans who had hoped to see her join her former teammate Caitlin Clark in the WNBA. While Stuelke was a productive college player, her skillset may not have translated as seamlessly to the professional level, highlighting the challenges some standout NCAA athletes face in making the jump to the pros.

The details

Despite her solid all-around game, Stuelke's lack of a true standout skill or physical attribute likely contributed to her going undrafted. At 6-foot-2, she is not exceptionally tall for a frontcourt player, and she struggled with her outside shooting, converting just 22.5% of her 3-point attempts in college. Additionally, Stuelke did not make a significant impact as a shot blocker, which can be an important trait for WNBA teams looking to bolster their interior defense.

  • The 2026 WNBA Draft took place on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Hannah Stuelke

A 6-foot-2 forward from Cedar Rapids, Iowa who just completed her college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, where she averaged 13.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in her final season.

Caitlin Clark

A standout guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes who played alongside Stuelke and is now in the WNBA, having been drafted in a previous year.

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What they’re saying

“It's disappointing that Hannah didn't get drafted, but I know she'll keep working hard and find a way to make it in the WNBA. She's a talented player who will get her chance.”

— Caitlin Clark

What’s next

Stuelke will likely look to earn an invite to a WNBA training camp as an undrafted free agent, where she will have the opportunity to showcase her skills and try to earn a roster spot.

The takeaway

Stuelke's undrafted status highlights the challenges some standout college players face in transitioning to the professional level, where elite size, shooting, and defensive abilities are often prioritized. However, her strong college career and support from former teammate Caitlin Clark suggest Stuelke may still get her chance to prove herself in the WNBA.