Kylie Feuerbach: Former Cyclone, future Hawkeye

IOWA CITY — Kylie Feuerbach didn’t go through much of a recruiting process the first time around.

“We’re an Iowa State family, and I committed (to ISU) in the middle of my sophomore year (of high school),” Feuerbach said Saturday.

A two-time Big 12 freshman-of-the-week honoree who started 24 games in her rookie season in Ames, Feuerbach joined the transfer portal after the season.

Friday, she made public her commitment to the Iowa Hawkeyes for her final three seasons, starting in 2021-22.

“I like their coaching staff a lot,” Feuerbach said via phone. “It stinks that Iowa and Iowa State are rivals and all that, but I really like their program. They play up-tempo, and I played with a lot of their players (in AAU ball).”

A 6-foot guard from Sycamore, Ill., Feuerbach played in all 28 games for the Cyclones (17-11) last season.

She averaged 21.9 minutes per game, posting 5.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game as the Cyclones came within a whisker of reaching the Sweet 16. She scored in double digits six times, with a high of 17 points against Kansas State.

“I don’t want to get too deep into it,” Feuerbach said about her decision to leave Iowa State. “It just wasn’t a great fit for me. It’s a great school, and I love the players. It just wasn’t the best fit for me.

“I’m really close to my parents. They know me better than I know myself. We prayed on this a lot, and Iowa fits me.”

At Iowa, Feuerbach will add depth to a backcourt led by All-American Caitlin Clark. Starters Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall also return, along with reserves Tomi Taiwo, Megan Meyer and Lauren Jensen.

“I’m looking forward to joining them,” Feuerbach said. “I’m a very competitive person. I know they’re stacked in the backcourt, but I think I can contribute.

“It will be great playing with Caitlin again.”

The Hawkeyes were 20-10 last season, were Big Ten tournament runners-up and advanced to the Sweet 16.

Next year’s Cy-Hawk game is at Hilton Coliseum in Ames.

“That will be different, for sure,” Feuerbach said. “Iowa State has a great fan base. Hilton Magic is special. It will be weird seeing my (former) teammates again in that environment.”

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