Iowa Lands Ex-Villanova Star Lucy Olsen in Transfer Portal Coup, and Caitlin Clark Was Fired Up

Karl Rasmussen | Apr 17, 2024

Former Villanova Wildcats guard Lucy Olsen (3) shoots against Marquette. / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Iowa Hawkeyes landed one of the top talents in the women's college basketball transfer portal on Wednesday after former Villanova star Lucy Olsen announced that she committed to the Hawkeyes ahead of her senior season.

Although the impact of Caitlin Clark's exit for the WNBA will surely be felt by Iowa, the addition of Olsen is huge. For the Wildcats last season, Olsen averaged 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting at 43.8% clip from the field.

Olsen was named the Most Improved Player in the Big East last season and is a two-time All-Big East selectee. She'll join a Hawkeyes roster that will bring back some familiar faces in 2024–25, including Hannah Stuelke and Sydney Affolter, despite the departure of some beloved talents such as Clark, Gabbie Marshall and Kate Martin, among others.

New beginnings ✍️ @IowaWBB #Hawkeyes #letsgo 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/CmlhzmCYGd

— Lucy Olsen (@LucyOlsenbball) April 17, 2024

The addition of Olsen to Lisa Bluder's Hawkeyes roster drew an excited response from Clark, who reacted on social media with multiple emojis, clearly overjoyed to see the team add such a talented scorer to the mix following her departure to the pros.

‼️‼️‼️🔥🔥 https://t.co/lGkJKhCNaT

— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) April 18, 2024

After back-to-back runs to the national championship, the Hawkeyes have restocked the treasure troves with the addition of Olsen, who figures to play a significant role offensively.