Campus Newcomer: Sherwood C Ava Heiden

The Iowa Women’s Basketball team has had sustained success with post players over the last ten years, with Bethany Doolittle, Megan Gustafson and Monika Czinano. Now, Ava Heiden comes to Iowa City as the highest rated of the four players and is looking to become the next one in an increasingly long line of impressive centers coached by Jan Jensen. Heiden will become the first ever Hawkeye from Oregon, but she felt right at home after her commitment back in October of 2022.

“The people of Iowa are amazing and are huge supporters of all of Iowa’s sports. In fact, after I committed a whole bunch of Iowa Hawkeye fans followed me. The fact that these people are so supportive and welcoming means the world to me,” said Heiden at the time of her commitment.

Heiden is a four-star prospect by ESPN and is rated as the #42 overall player in the class of 2024. She chose Iowa over Oregon State, Utah and Washington. As a senior at Sherwood High School, Ava was named Pacific Conference Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Pacific. She was also a Class 6A First Team All-State selection. Sherwood finished with a 16-10 overall record, but was knocked out in the second round of the playoffs by eventual state champion South Medford.

We caught up with the 6-foot-4 center out of Sherwood, Oregon 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?

HEIDEN: I move to Iowa City the day after I graduate on June 8th. I’m super excited!

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

HEIDEN: My jersey will be #5 – there’s no special reason behind it. My club and high school numbers weren’t an option so thought #5 would be a new adventure.

Q: What has it been like watching Iowa advance to back-to-back national championship games knowing that you are going to join that program this summer?

HEIDEN: It has been so fun to watch – Iowa WBB has great chemistry and culture and I can’t wait to be a part of it! That chemistry and culture was on full display during the championship games.

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?

HEIDEN: I was invited to play in the Northwest Shootout game (Oregon vs. Washington) so throughout April and May I was prepping for that game. Otherwise I have been lifting, conditioning, practicing some with my former club team and doing position work with my trainer.

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

HEIDEN: Iowa reached out to me near the beginning of my sophomore year during club season. I appreciated how they gave me plenty of space to come to my own decision when I was choosing between schools and offers. Through all of the conversations during my recruitment process, I connected with Iowa’s coaches and players the most – I highly valued their transparency and how genuine they were during my recruitment process.

Q: Talk about your relationship with assistant coach Jan Jensen. She is known as one of the best post coaches in the country. What is your relationship like with her? How much did her success with players like Bethany Doolittle, Megan Gustafson and Monika Czinano influence your decision to come to Iowa?

HEIDEN: Coach J was a significant part of my decision. The entire coaching staff’s dedication to their craft and the team was a huge reason why I chose Iowa and they were the right fit for me.

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

HEIDEN: The academics and coaches/team/style of play and the supportive atmosphere. Those were the important factors. Iowa prides itself on developing students and athletes including strong, capable leaders that are prepared for life after basketball.

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

HEIDEN: The incoming freshman class is great. I can’t wait for us to start this exciting journey together!

Q: What are you goals for your freshman season?

HEIDEN: My goal is to work hard and have fun. That’s how I have always played and that’s how I plan to play at Iowa.

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

HEIDEN: I am most excited about the new adventures I’ll have and the people I’ll meet and the friends I’ll make. Playing for Iowa will be an incredible and exciting experience.