Iowa Women’s Basketball Strengthens Roster with Division III Star Bria Medina

The Iowa women’s basketball team just landed a major addition: high-scoring point guard Bria Medina from Knox College. Medina, a Tucson native, committed to the Hawkeyes for the 2026-27 season after a stellar junior year, where she averaged 23.6 points per game.

This move shows Iowa’s continued push to reshape their roster through the transfer portal. They’re clearly aiming to strengthen the squad for what’s coming next.

Bria Medina: A High-Scoring Addition

Bria Medina brings some serious scoring firepower and experience to Iowa. At 5-foot-6, she’s shown she can rack up points game after game.

During her time at Knox College, she piled up 1,524 points over 78 games, averaging 19.5 per contest. Five times, she put up 30 or more, including a wild 40-point performance against Illinois College on January 27, 2026.

Impressive Junior Season Statistics

Medina’s junior stats really jump off the page. She hit 46.9% from the field and 35.6% from three, though she didn’t take a ton from deep.

She shot a blistering 86.9% from the free-throw line, getting there almost nine times a night. On top of that, Medina averaged 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.7 steals per game—she’s not just a scorer.

Transitioning to the Big Ten Conference

Medina dominated at Knox College, but moving to the Big Ten is a whole different ballgame. The conference is tough, and she’ll have to adjust to a faster, more physical style.

Still, her knack for putting up points and her experience make her a valuable piece for Iowa. She’ll likely bring energy and scoring off the bench.

Tempered Expectations

Given the leap in competition, expectations for Medina’s lone season at Iowa should probably stay realistic. Her scoring history and versatility, though, are nothing to sneeze at.

She’ll join a roster that features seniors like Amari Whiting and incoming freshman Ella Stromdahl from Sweden. Medina’s leadership could come in handy with such a mix of experience and youth.

The Hawkeyes’ Roster Transformation

Medina marks the fourth transfer for Iowa this cycle. She joins Georgia guards Dani Carnegie and Jocelyn Faison, plus Oklahoma State’s Amari Whiting.

With Swedish forward Ella Stromdahl also on board, Iowa’s roster now sits at 11 players. That’s quite a bit of turnover in one offseason.

Building a Competitive Squad

Adding Medina and the other transfers shows Iowa’s serious about making noise in the Big Ten. Head coach Jan Jensen and her staff have clearly been working the portal hard to bring in talent.

Whether these new faces gel with the returners is anyone’s guess—but the potential is there. It’s always tough to predict how quickly a revamped squad will click.

Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season

With Medina and the other key transfers, the Hawkeyes look set for an intriguing 2026-27 campaign. The roster now has a blend of experience and new talent, which could make things interesting.

As the season draws closer, fans and analysts will be watching to see how all these fresh faces fit together. There’s a real sense of anticipation for what this group might accomplish.

Key Players to Watch

Besides Medina, there are a few others to keep an eye on. Dani Carnegie and Jocelyn Faison, both guards from Georgia, bring athleticism and scoring to the backcourt.

Amari Whiting adds versatility and seasoning from her time at Oklahoma State, and freshman Ella Stromdahl brings some international flair. Iowa fans have plenty of reasons to be curious about this new-look squad.

Conclusion

The Iowa women’s basketball team just picked up Bria Medina, along with a few other key transfers. That’s a big move as they reshape their roster for the 2026-27 season.