Campus Newcomer: Solon G Callie Levin

Solon is just a short 20-minute drive up Highway 1 from Carver-Hawkeye Arena. It will be quick trip for friends and family of incoming freshman Callie Levin to come see her play in Iowa City. Levin was the first commit in the ’24 class for the Hawkeyes, making her decision all the way back in August of 2021. Nearly three years later and Callie is set to arrive at Iowa to begin her career as a Hawkeye.

Levin is a three-star prospect by ESPN and is rated as the #2 player in the state of Iowa by Prep Girls Hoops. She committed to Iowa as a sophomore over offers from Iowa State, Drake, Purdue, Utah, Arkansas, Oklahoma State and Marquette. As a senior at Solon, Callie averaged 22.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.8 steals and 4.5 assists per game. Solon finished with a 24-3 record and defeated Estherville Lincoln Central to win the 3A state championship. Levin was named Miss Iowa Basketball and was a First Team All-State selection for the Spartans.

We caught up with the 5-foot-10 guard out of Solon, Iowa to discuss her move to Iowa City, what stood out during the recruitment process and her upcoming freshman season with the Hawkeyes.

Q: When do you move to Iowa City and what is your excitement level like for that move in day?

LEVIN: I move in June 9th, I’m counting down the days to get on campus. I’m super excited!

Q: You committed to Iowa several years ago and have grown up just down the road from Iowa City. What does it mean to you to be able to have this opportunity to play for your hometown school?

LEVIN: Being so close has been fun for me. It’s now my time to get on campus and start working out with the team. I’m grateful for this opportunity to play so close to home.

Q: What number do you plan on wearing? Any special reason behind it?

LEVIN: I think I’m going to wear 32, I can’t wear 23 because it’s taken so I flipped the number and psalm 32 is on of my favorites in the Bible.

Q: Iowa had their own magical runs to the Final Four, you had your own with Solon winning the state championship. What was that like getting to finish your high school career off with that accomplishment?

LEVIN: It was such an amazing experience. Being a senior I really wanted to get it done and go out with a bang. I’m grateful that we got to fulfill that dream of ours.

Q: You were named Miss Iowa Basketball. Some recent winners, Ashley Joens, Caitlin Clark, Katie Dinnebier, Hannah Stuelke and Audi Crooks. What did receiving that award mean to you?

LEVIN: Being told by my coach that I was Miss Iowa Basketball was a really cool moment. I was excited because I hadn’t thought about winning the award. The whole season I was just focused on being a state champ. To add that award was such a blessing.

Q: What have you been doing since the end of the high school basketball season to prepare for when you join the team this summer?

LEVIN: Along with workouts in the gym and improving on my game. The main thing is staying in the weight room and adding muscle. I’ve been doing alot of conditioning on top of that.

Q: What do you remember about your recruitment? When did Iowa first reach out to you?

LEVIN: I think they reached out to me my freshmen year. I was really excited when they wanted to call me after one of my tournaments. They offered me my sophomore year and maybe 2 weeks later I committed. I had an amazing visit and I just knew I wanted to be a Hawkeye.

Q: What stood out about the Iowa program that made them an easy choice over other schools?

LEVIN: The family culture, the coaches, what they have built there is amazing. Everyone wants to be apart of a special team like the Hawks. The coaches really preach on how no one’s more important than another. I think that’s really important for a team.

Q: What is your relationship like with the other incoming freshman? What about current players?

LEVIN: I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the rest of the incoming freshmen. We’ve all built friendships already and I’m excited to grow those. I know a lot of the players from being apart of All Iowa Attack. I’m looking forward to being in the gym with them again and just growing our friendships.

Q: What are your goals for your freshman season?

LEVIN: I want to do whatever the team needs me to do in order to succeed. Playing lock down defense is going to be an important role. I want to grow as a basketball player and as a person.

Q: What are you most excited for when you think about playing for Iowa next season?

LEVIN: I’m really excited to play for amazing coaches and with hardworking players. It’s going to be fun practicing with excellence. I’m looking forward to the moment I walk into Carver for the first time. I think it’ll be really emotional because this has been a long time coming. I’m excited for all my hometown fans to follow me at Iowa. It’s going to be a really fun 4 years.