Iowa Women's Basketball Cracks Top 10 Post-Clark Era

The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team just proved that championship culture outlasts individual stars.

For the first time in two years, Iowa has cracked the top 10 in the AP women's basketball poll, climbing to ninth place. The last time the Hawkeyes ranked this high was during Caitlin Clark's senior year, when the superstar guard captivated the nation and broke scoring records.

Many wondered if Iowa could maintain its momentum after losing the most dominant player in recent college basketball history. The answer is a resounding yes. The team had hovered around 11th earlier this season, steadily building toward this breakthrough moment.

UConn continues dominating the rankings, earning all 30 first-place votes while extending their winning streak to 34 games. South Carolina and UCLA hold steady at second and third, while the SEC showcases its depth with nine ranked teams.

The Ripple Effect

Iowa's return to the top 10 sends an important message to college sports: great programs are built on systems, not just stars. The Hawkeyes coaching staff has developed a culture that attracts talent and maximizes potential year after year.

Duke's story offers similar inspiration. After starting the season ranked seventh, the Blue Devils stumbled badly, losing six of their first nine games and falling completely out of the rankings. Instead of giving up, they've won 10 straight games to climb back to 21st, proving that early struggles don't define a season.

Princeton is making history too, rising to 20th in the rankings for their best position since 2015. The Tigers have won 13 straight games, with their only loss coming against Maryland.

The women's game keeps growing stronger. Seven conferences are represented in the top 25, showcasing talent spread across the country. Sunday's matchup between undefeated Vanderbilt and powerhouse South Carolina promises to be must-watch basketball as the Commodores chase their best start in 20 years.

These teams are writing new chapters and creating fresh legacies, one game at a time.