Iowa State women’s basketball is in the full swing of summer workouts, and players are competing for increased roles on the team and learning to play together. 

This new roster for head coach Bill Fennelly will look to resemble previous Iowa State teams that are focused on spreading the floor, and playing at a faster pace. 

The departure of star center Audi Crooks has given the Cyclones the key to returning to the original style of play Iowa State has played for decades. 

The staff at Iowa State has brought in a roster that is prepared to do that, looking for replacement options for Crooks. 

“We spread the court more and had more stretch fives, and we tried to identify that in the portal,” Fennelly said about looking for replacement options and the previous style of play with forwards and centers. “We like big guards and skill guards.”

Fennelly has made it clear that, even though the team from three months ago is almost completely gone, the new roster will still build on the same foundation that has made Iowa State women’s basketball successful. 

Five players will step on the court in November, and although it is July, it’s never too early to examine who from this new Iowa State roster will slide into the starting five. 

Point Guard – Sienna Harvey 

Harvey transfers in, looking to replace Jada Williams at the point guard position and keep the consistent scoring ability at the point guard slot for the Cyclones.

Harvey played her freshman season at Washington University, a competitive team where Harvey saw inconsistent minutes at the guard position later in the season. 

The Australian native was still able to produce good numbers from time to time. She had a season-high 22 points in a game against Pacific, shooting very efficiently last season.

Harvey is originally from Wodonga, Australia and has played with top club teams overseas, winning a silver medal at the U19 World Cup with Australia in 2025. 

Harvey looks to bring high-level shooting and playmaking for her sophomore season to help run the show for Iowa State. 

Shooting Guard – Arianna Jackson 

One of only three returners and the only returner who was a consistent starter on the Cyclones roster, Jackson looks to continue her role of tough perimeter defense and sharpshooting for Iowa State. 

Jackson shot 43.9% from three last season, proving by the numbers that she is one of the most reliable shooters in the country. Jackson will provide the Cyclones’ offense with ample floor spacing, an element Iowa State wants to continue in the upcoming season. 

The combination of senior leadership and a player who knows her role will be crucial for this newly assembled Iowa State roster in the upcoming season. 

Small Forward – Ashleigh Connor

Connor joins Iowa State after having a great year at La Salle, leading her team with 15.8 points and 3.9 assists per game last season. The senior has the ability to be a legitimate point guard and could compete with Harvey for the starting point guard role. 

Connor was one of the best players in the A-10 last season, and hopes to bring her scoring and playmaking ability a step up into the Big 12 this season. Connor was also a very underrated rebounder, averaging 5.5 rebounds per game last season. 

The ability for guards to mix it up and rebound down low on both ends can be a definitive trait of a successful team. Being able to help the forwards and centers rebound is a must-have if a team wants to win championships.   

Power Forward – Alex-Anne Bessette

Bessette was a great pull from the transfer portal, and it’s important not to let her underclassman status fool people. Bessette transferred from Loyola-Chicago, where she had several standout games as a freshman, averaging 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game. 

Originally from Québec City, Québec, Canada, Bessette also brings international experience to this Iowa State team. Bessette has represented the Canadian National team and helped them win a silver medal at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s Americas Championships. 

Bessette draws many comparisons to former starting power forward Addy Brown. Bessette’s ability to be a threat in the post and her physicality are very similar to Brown’s, and she has the ability to pass out of the post and set her teammates up. While her shooting numbers from three were below par, Bessette is a capable three-point threat for the Cyclones. 

Center – Gift Ezekiel 

Rounding out the starting five is the traditional center in Gift Ezekiel. Ezekiel brings in a great level of efficiency scoring, as she shot 59.6% from the floor for the Florida Gators last season. Ezekiel hopes to bring elite rim protection and be a dump-down score on the low block. 

The potential senior starting center is not much of a 3-point threat, but can be a great screener to help open up shots for guards and quality looks for herself down low. 

Ezekiel will also be expected to be a strong rebounder on both ends for the team, and she looks to contribute a better defensive presence for the Cyclones, particularly in rim protection and pick-and-roll coverage. 

Ezekiel has big shoes to fill, potentially stepping into Crooks’ position at the starting center. While Ezekiel is not as skilled a player as Crooks, Ezekiel looks to have better production than at Florida and turn some heads for the upcoming season as a Cyclone.