ISU coach Bill Fennelly has never been afraid of a challenge.

That is even more evident this season as the Cyclones’ schedule includes 15 teams that made the NCAA tournament last season. Iowa State finished last season with a 22-11 record overall while going 9-7 in Big 12 play.

The Cyclones biggest challenge will be to replace the scoring load of one of the Big 12’s most dynamic players in shooting, guard Kelsey Bolte. Bolte averaged 16.9 points per game last season. She was the only Cyclone to average double-digit points.

Bolte was drafted by the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, but failed to make the final roster cut.

“We’re searching for leaders and we’re searching for consistency,” Fennelly said. “In all the years I’ve been here, the good teams we’ve had, there’s been a surprise. We need a surprise to step forward and take that role of being the person you can throw the ball to.”

Another big change for the Cyclones is senior Lauren Mansfield is moving from her natural position of point guard to shooting guard. Mansfield played two spots at times last season while senior Chassidy Cole ran the point of the bench. Mansfield averaged nine points and five assists last season.

“I’m getting used to being able to attack more and shooting it more,” Mansfield said. “Normally I’m more of a driver, but I’m trying to get into more of a catch-and-shoot mode.”

Cole and freshman Nikki Moody will likely share time at the point guard position to start the season until a clear starter is chosen. Moody, a Euless, Texas, native, averaged 18 points, five assists and four rebounds per game for Trinity High School her senior year. The Trojans finished with a 25-8 record.

It didn’t take Moody long to get a picture of just how important the point guard position is to Iowa State.

“My first official visit I had, [Fennelly] told me that it’s a big deal and he holds his point guards dear to his heart,” Moody said. “It’s a big thing and a lot of responsibility.”