Prior to the 2024-25 season, the Iowa women’s basketball team received tough news.
A nagging pain in senior guard Sydney Affolter’s knee forced her to undergo a surgical scope of the knee, and sidelined her for the early portion of November.
Affolter was instrumental in the Hawkeyes’ 2023-24 campaign, filling in for an injured Molly Davis in the last nine games of Iowa’s season. The junior filled in admirably, posting 8.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, leading Iowa to its second consecutive NCAA championship game appearance.
“This is an unfortunate setback for Sydney, but she will work hard during her rehab and is expected to make a full recovery,” new Iowa head coach Jan Jensen told HawkeyeSports after the news broke. “She has the support of her teammates and coaches, and we look forward to having a healthy Sydney back when she is given clearance from our medical staff.”
Despite this hurdle, Affolter played a key vocal role on the bench, supporting young players such as first-year guard Teagan Mallegni, who collected four threes during Iowa’s exhibition against Missouri Western on Oct. 30.
“Teagan has been playing exceptionally well,” Affolter said after the Hawkeyes’ 110-55 win. “I’ve been seeing that since the summer. Her talent is through the roof.”
Affolter also gave an update on her injury in early November, expressing a desire to return at full speed by January.
“It’s been going well,” Affolter, reflecting on her rehab process, said. “It’s been hard to be out. I just want to be out there competing with my girls. But I know it’s a very long season. Hopefully, I’ll be back soon.”
Affolter is no stranger to hard work. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, she earned numerous accolades and milestones at Marist High School, a private school located on the south side of the city.
Affolter led the Redhawks to two state tournament appearances during her tenure, surpassing 1,000 points and 500 rebounds during her junior season. By the end of her storied career, she was named a three-time All-State and East Suburban All-Conference first-team honoree.
Affolter entered college as a highly-touted prospect, choosing Iowa over offers from Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Michigan State, Missouri, and others.
During her freshman season at Iowa in 2021-22, Affolter played in 19 games, collecting 1.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. She tallied four rebounds and a block during her college debut against New Hampshire, showcasing her potential.
Affolter continued her bench role over the next two seasons, battling established stars Cailtin Clark, Gabbie Marshall, and Kate Martin for playing time. Despite the stiff competition, she remained committed to then-head coach Lisa Bluder and the Iowa program.
“I made a commitment to this team during my junior year of high school, and that’s the kind of person I am — I’m gonna stick to that,” Affolter said during the 2023-24 season. “I’m super grateful that I did, and I think all the hard work behind the scenes is paying off.”
Clark, Marshall, and Martin graduated in the 2024 offseason, paving a way for Affolter to crack the starting lineup from the get-go. Her knee surgery temporarily derailed that dream, but it eventually came true after two games.
After watching the season-opener from the sidelines, Affolter returned to the lineup on Nov. 10 against Virginia Tech. She didn’t start but contributed three points, six rebounds, and three assists in 24 minutes of action, the fifth-most on the team.
The Hawkeyes won the game, 71-52, and Affolter’s comeback earned praise from her teammates.
“I think Sydney always brings a level of leadership that we need out there,” third-year Hannah Stuelke said after Affolter’s second game back, a 94-57 win over Toledo. “She’s always really good. She’s very talkative and she brings a lot of aggression, so it’s just great to have her back out there.”
Affolter logged only 21 minutes during Iowa’s next contest against Toledo on Nov. 13, logging 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists in her first start of the season. Third-year guard Taylor McCabe credited Affolter’s leadership and poise after the game.
“She’s been such a big part of this program from the second that she stepped on campus,” McCabe said. “Even though she was out for a little while, she was still such an integral part of our team. And that doesn’t change. When she steps on the court, it’s like she was never gone.”
Head coach Jan Jensen also praised the senior’s strong work ethic.
“Syd’s work ethic is off the charts,” Jensen said during a press conference on Nov. 11. “All youngsters need to take notes. She did her training to a tee, did as much extra as she could, and just really put herself in a position.”