From Player to Coach: Sydney Affolter Returns to the Hawkeyes

While her playing days at the University of Iowa might be over, Sydney Affolter's time in Iowa City isn't.

Sydney Affolter has accepted a position with the Iowa women's basketball team. According to Hawk Central, Affolter will serve as a graduate assistant for head coach Jan Jensen and the Iowa Hawkeyes. She was invited to a seminar at the 2025 Final Four called 'So You Want to Be a Coach', so the move shouldn't come as a huge surprise.

The move sets up Affolter for a potential move into a coaching career. Hawk Central reports that Affolter is excited to be back with the Hawkeyes, stating, "It’s an honor to give back and support this team in a new role. I can’t wait to get started."

Affolter's brand of tough-nosed basketball was a crucial part of Iowa's run to back-to-back National Championship games. Hawk Central reports that her late three-point play helped Iowa survive against West Virginia in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. She and Caitlin Clark were all-tournament picks that year in the Big Ten Tournament and the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 Regional in 2024.

READ MORE: Caitlin Clark's Rivalry with Angel Reese Heats Up

Hawk Central reports that Affolter was recently honored during the ninth annual Golden Hawkeye Awards, where she earned 'Hawkeye of the Year' for all women's athletics at the University of Iowa. Sydney Affolter is a Hawkeye great, and the school and the basketball program are better for having her! Congrats Sydney!

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