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Sherwood Today
By the People, for the People
Iowa's Ava Heiden Named USWBA National Player of the Week
Sophomore center led Hawkeyes to three wins, including upset of No. 5 Michigan
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Iowa women's basketball sophomore center Ava Heiden has been named the USWBA National Player of the Week after leading the No. 9 Hawkeyes to three wins this past week, including a 62-44 upset victory against then-No. 5 Michigan.
Why it matters
Heiden's recognition marks the second time this season an Iowa player has earned the USWBA National Player of the Week honor, further cementing the Hawkeyes' status as a top women's basketball program in the country.
The details
The 6-foot-4 native of Sherwood, Ore., averaged 24.0 points per game on 75% shooting, 11.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.6 blocks during Iowa's three wins over Nebraska, Purdue, and Michigan. Heiden recorded a career-high-tying 27 points against Nebraska and followed that up with 24 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in the upset of Michigan.
- On Feb. 16, Heiden recorded a career-high-tying 27 points against Nebraska.
- On Feb. 22, Heiden had 24 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in Iowa's upset win over No. 5 Michigan.
- On Feb. 24, Heiden was named one of the USWBA National Players of the Week.
The players
Ava Heiden
A 6-foot-4 sophomore center for the Iowa women's basketball team who has emerged as a star this season, leading the Hawkeyes in scoring, rebounding, and other key statistical categories.
Hannah Stuelke
A senior forward for the Iowa women's basketball team who was previously named USWBA National Player of the Week on Jan. 21, making her and Heiden the only two Hawkeyes to earn the honor this season.
What’s next
Heiden and the Hawkeyes will look to continue their strong play this week as they host Illinois on Thursday, Feb. 26, and then travel to Wisconsin for their regular-season finale on Sunday, March 1.
The takeaway
Ava Heiden's USWBA National Player of the Week recognition is a testament to her dominant performance in leading Iowa to three key wins, including an upset over a top-5 opponent. Her continued excellence has helped cement the Hawkeyes' status as one of the top women's basketball programs in the country.
