AMES – Emily Ryan announced that she will return to play a fifth season for the Iowa State women’s basketball team. The announcement came from Ryan herself via X, formerly known as Twitter, Friday evening.

“4 years wasn’t enough. Let’s run it back, Cyclone Nation,” Ryan wrote.

The question lingered for a while and her decision came a day before Iowa State’s senior night where Hannah Belanger and Nyamer Diew will be recognized. Ryan will be the experienced leader the Cyclones can lean on next season, even as she held the role this season with the large freshman class.

Ryan missed the first nine games of the season due to a leg injury. Since her return, Ryan has averaged 10.3 points per game and nearly six assists per game.

Ryan has averaged 10.7 points, 6.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds throughout her collegiate career. Entering Saturday’s game, Ryan is 22 assists away from breaking the all-time assist record for Iowa State.

With the postseason right around the corner, Ryan and the young Cyclone bunch are fourth in the Big 12 standings. Iowa State is currently 17-10 overall and 11-6 in the Big 12.

The final regular season game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday as Iowa State hosts Cincinnati.