After Iowa women’s basketball’s (2-0) 119-43 win over Evansville (0-2) on Sunday afternoon from Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Hawkeyes coaches lauded their respect and appreciation for former Iowa star and current Purple Aces’ graduate assistant, Molly Davis.
Davis returned to Carver-Hawkeye Arena as a member of the Evansville coaching staff for the first time since she donned the black and gold from 2022-24, where she received a thunderous reception from fans midway through the first quarter, which she shared her gratitude for in her postgame comments.
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In head coach Jan Jensen’s postgame media availability, she delved into Davis’ impact on the Hawkeyes’ program as a player, her character on and off the court, and how she continues to live with a passion for the sport.
“I love that kid. I love Molly’s story for all the right reasons of a team sport,” Jensen said.
“And I think we talked about Molly Davis when we got her, but I don’t think we really delved into the fact that, you know, she left a starting position (at Central Michigan) to come and be a part of this, and certainly in the orbit of which she came. And I think if you talk to everybody associated with that era, we probably don’t have a lot of the things we have without Molly Davis.”
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – FEBRUARY 28: Molly Davis #1 of the Iowa Hawkeyes jumps for a pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the fourth quarter at Williams Arena on February 28, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hawkeyes defeated the Golden Gophers 108-60. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Jensen said the Evansville staff has already seen a lot of what both Jensen and former Iowa head women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder saw in Davis.
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“So I just love everything about that. And she was kind of shyer, but if you know and have conversations with her, just an incredible young woman. And her coaching staff… When we were talking about scheduling this game, I mean, she just says the most similar things that Lisa and I always said about her. Hard worker, smart, you know, loyal.
“So having her back and getting that (standing ovation), the crowd was great… But she’s just an incredible story. So I’m forever thankful for her. Not just that, you know, helped us win, but she just is a really great kid,” Jensen said.
In addition to Jensen’s remarks, assistant coach Abby Emmert Stamp also gave a shoutout to Davis on X, treasuring the special moment the Iowa faithful gave to the former Hawkeye.
During her time with the Hawkeyes, the Midland, Mich., native averaged 4.7 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game on 49.8% shooting from the field, 36.2% from 3-point territory, and 86.8% from the free-throw line. Davis made 29 starts and played in 69 games with the Hawkeyes.
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Following her time with the Hawkeyes, which included back-to-back appearances in the Final Four and national championship games, Davis joined the Evansville coaching staff in 2024 as a graduate assistant, where she actively completed her Master’s degree. She is currently in her second season in that role with the Purple Aces.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa women’s basketball comments on Molly Davis’ return
