As the 2025-26 Iowa women’s basketball season swiftly approaches, the program gave a unique spotlight to highly-touted, four-star freshman center Layla Hays.
The 6-foot-5 native of Wasilla, Alaska, joins an impressive freshman class that is primed to not only elevate the program’s outlook this season, but also to continue building on the Hawkeyes’ reputation as a national powerhouse.
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Rated as a four-star signee and as the No. 71 player in the country per ESPN, Hays chose Iowa over a talented list of finalists, including Nebraska, Duke, North Carolina, Indiana, Washington, Illinois, and Gonzaga.
During her past two years at Wasilla High School, Hays was a significant factor in the program’s tremendous success.
Hays averaged 16.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots in 21 games as a junior and helped the Warriors win the ASAA Class 4A state title. Despite breaking her foot in February of her junior season, she did not miss a game, totaling 25 points, 33 rebounds, and 10 blocks in three games at the state tournament. As a senior, Hays averaged 15 points per game and secured her second consecutive Alaska Player of the Year Award.
Having a strong and physical center is a critical component to achieve success in women’s college basketball. Great post play has also been a hallmark of second-year head coach Jan Jensen’s time in Iowa City.
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Jensen and the Hawkeyes will have the luxury of both sophomore Ava Heiden and Hays learning from one another in what could be a dominant duo for the Hawkeyes over the next couple of years.
While the expectation from Hays this season will be to gather experience and continue developing her ability to play in the post, the Hawkeyes hope to have the ability to go toe-to-toe with some of the country’s premier centers this season thanks to the combination of Hays and Heiden.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa women’s basketball gives a unique focus on 4-star freshman center
