Hannah Stuelke did not hear her name called in last night's 2026 WNBA Draft, leaving the former Iowa forward to pursue the next step of her professional career as an undrafted free agent.
Stuelke entered Monday's event as a projected second- or third-round pick, before all 45 selections came and went without the Iowa senior captain coming off the board.
The result was surprising given her production and resume. Stuelke spent four seasons at Iowa and played a central role in one of the program's most successful stretches in history, including back-to-back national championship game appearances alongside superstar Caitlin Clark.
For Stuelke, her senior season counted as one of her most complete. She averaged 13.4 points and a team-high 9.0 rebounds while shooting 53.6% from the field. She also led Iowa with 20 eight-rebound games while earning her third All-Big Ten Second Team honors.
Finishing her collegiate career with 1,565 points and 910 rebounds, the 6-foot-2 Cedar Rapids native became just one of four players in Hawkeyes history to pass 1,500 points and 900 rebounds.
Those stats indicate Stuelke could still become the 21st Iowa product to enter the pros via either the WNBA draft or free agency. Undrafted players are permitted to sign training camp deals and compete for roster spots before the regular season opens. Several teams around the league need frontcourt depth, and Stuelke's rebounding, efficiency, and big-game experience could keep her in the mix.
Now, Stuelke's focus shifts from setback to opportunity. Her path to the WNBA may be less direct than expected, but her Iowa resume might be strong enough to set her up for a shot at the next level.
