Leistikow: The cost of success for Hawkeye sports

Kirk Ferentz and his football staff and basketball coaches Lisa Bluder and Fran McCaffery earned extra millions from a year of plenty in Iowa sports.

Megan Gustafson, Lisa Bluder each win Naismith

The Iowa senior was especially excited that she won alongside Lisa Bluder, who was named the Naismith national coach of the year.

Another day, another major trophy for Megan Gustafson

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected the Iowa senior for its highest award.

Photos: Iowa Hawkeyes center Megan Gustafson

Photos: Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team welcomed home from Elite Eight finish

Hawkeyes didn’t run from lofty expectations in 2019. They embraced them.

“There were high expectations, but it wasn’t pressure. We embraced it. We loved it."

Leistikow: Gustafson’s incredible final numbers, legacy

Megan Gustafson's final career statistics reveal Big Ten records and NCAA records. And they only tell part of her Hawkeye story.

Lisa Bluder after Baylor loss: Our season isn’t defined by those 40 minutes

Megan Gustafson named AP first-team all-American

Ahead of the biggest game of her career, more accolades are rolling in for Megan Gustafson.

Hawkeyes looking to make ‘big statement’ vs. Baylor

“Hearing the word underdog just fuels us all,” senior Tania Davis said. “Obviously being the underdog, you like to prove people wrong. I feel like we wear that with pride."

Hawkeyes bury N.C. State, reach first Elite Eight since 1993

Iowa jumped on North Carolina State early, withstood a Wolfpack push, then slammed the door shut with an emphatic final surge.

Women’s basketball: Iowa defeats N.C. State, advances to the Elite 8

Kathleen Doyle brings the noise when Iowa needs it

The passion and emotion oozes out of Kathleen Doyle each time she steps on the floor. Iowa will need plenty of that as it looks to continue its March run.

Leistikow: Hawkeyes bring love, smiles, game to Sweet 16

You see them on TV, you see the joy they experience while playing basketball. For the Iowa women, finding such perfect chemistry didn't come easy.

Can Megan Gustafson dunk? She’s getting close.

Could Iowa's senior all-American pull off an in-game dunk? We investigate here.

Frontcourt showdown pivotal as Iowa readies for NC State

“I just kind of see this matchup as the veteran versus the rookie, the experience versus the next up-and -coming great center in America."

Hawkeyes land 2022 C.R. Washington product Hannah Stuelke

Iowa got a nice bonus after wrapping up its first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 2015.

Iowa Hawkeyes, 68 Missouri, 52

After early scare, Hawkeyes hope pressure proves beneficial

As it readies for Sunday's second-round game against Missouri, Iowa hopes the scare it experienced Friday proves more beneficial than concerning.

Photos: Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball first-round practice day

Hawkeyes embracing pressure, giving respect as NCAA Tournament begins

“I want them to understand and embrace the No. 2 seed and the home court, because that’s worth something. I don’t want to negate that or take that away from them either.”

Home success has Iowa confident ahead of NCAA Tournament

One of eight Division I women's basketball teams to go undefeated at home this year, the Hawkeyes are happy their postseason begins at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Hawkeyes land No. 2 seed in Greensboro regional

Iowa landed its highest seed under coach Lisa Bluder. It'll begin its NCAA Tournament journey Friday in Iowa City.

Photos: Iowa Hawkeyes women to host first two rounds of NCAA tournament

Megan Gustafson, Bridget Carleton named ESPN all-Americans

Megan Gustafson made the first team. Bridget Carleton was named to the second team.

Photos: Hawkeye fans welcome Iowa women’s basketball Big Ten champions home

Photos: Iowa beats Maryland for Big Ten title win

Leistikow: Unbreakable Hawkeyes play perfect B1G title game

Megan Gustafson scored a season-high 45 points Sunday to lead Iowa past Maryland, to its first Big Ten championship in any women's sport since 2008.

Bluder, Hawkeyes cut down net after Big Ten title

Iowa players celebrate after a 90-76 win against Maryland to win the Big Ten women's tournament championship.

Hawkeyes survive Rutgers, reach B1G title game

Iowa hasn't won a Big Ten Tournament title since 2001. It'll have a shot against Maryland on Sunday after a 72-67 win against Rutgers.

Leistikow: Could Megan Gustafson be national POY?

History shows an unconventional program like Iowa has an uphill climb to win major national awards. But Megan Gustafson at least deserves a shot.

Leistikow: A true team win for Hawkeye women

Iowa players wore T-shirts with the word "FAMILY" printed across the chest prior to a win in Indianapolis that was about more than Megan Gustafson.

Iowa women survive Indiana in B1G Tourney opener

It wasn't easy, but Iowa powered into the conference tournament semifinals for the first time since 2015. The Hawkeyes finished on a 17-7 run.

Megan Gustafson repeats as Big Ten POY

Few believed that Megan Gustafson could replicate her junior all-American season. All she did was match it — and then some.

No. 11 Iowa rolls by Northwestern on senior day

Megan Gustafson did her thing in front of a large crowd, as the Hawkeyes rolled on senior day.

Iowa Hawkeyes 74, Northwestern Wildcats 50

Chronicling Iowa’s ‘totally committed’ 2019 senior class

The curtain is closing on Iowa’s decorated 2019 senior women's basketball class.

State basketball thoughts: Iowa signee Meyer has special cheering section

Full thoughts and observations from the second day of the girls' basketball state tournament.

With B1G title dreams fleeting, Iowa has bigger priorities in play

Thursday's stunning loss at Indiana likely cost Iowa a Big Ten title, but the Hawkeyes have bigger priorities as March approaches.

Diving into Megan Gustafson’s pro basketball outlook

On the other side of a stellar college career is a promising outlook that strongly suggests Megan Gustafson will be Iowa’s first WNBA selection since 2015.