Iowa women’s basketball confirms door is shut on Emely Rodriguez return

After announcing her entry into the NCAA transfer portal in April for the second consecutive season, Iowa women's basketball head coach Jan Jensen effectively confirmed that the program will not seek a potential return from junior guard/forward Emely Rodriguez.

In limited action to begin this past season, there were flashes of what she could provide the Hawkeyes. However, a back injury and a reported suspension limited her to just six games played, during which she averaged 7.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game on 42.5% shooting from the field, 14.3% from 3-point range, and 80% from the free-throw line.

While Rodriguez stands as the lone Hawkeye remaining in the transfer portal after Callie Levin, Kennise Johnson, Teagan Mallegni, and Addie Deal each announced their respective commitments, there was still an avenue in which the 6-foot Dominican Republic native could return to Iowa City.

However, when asked in an interview before a Carroll Area I-Club banquet on May 11 about the possibility of the Hawkeyes entertaining a potential reunion with Rodriguez, Jensen immediately closed the door on that idea.

Currently, the Hawkeyes have nine of their 15 scholarship spots used for the 2026-27 season following the addition of transfer portal guards , , and .