What Jan Jensen said about Iowa’s recruiting Class of 2025

IOWA CITY -- The letters are signed. Addie Deal, Layla Hays and Journey Houston officially will be Iowa women’s basketball players in 2025-26.

Addie Deal

6-foot guard from Irvine, Calif., No. 18 overall prospect

Jersey Mike’s Naismith Player of the Year Watchlist, second-team Nike Nationals during her junior year.

What Jan Jensen said:

"Addie is one of the nation's premier point guards and off guards - she can play either. She has an extremely high IQ, and she is extremely talented. One thing that I'll always be thankful for with Addie and Journey is that they held their commitments."

What Deal said:

“I chose Iowa because of the amazing community and culture, style of play, phenomenal coaching staff, conference, and competitive level Iowa has been playing at. I’m so blessed and excited to get started and be in Iowa City.”

Layla Hays

6-5 center from Wasilla, Alaska, No. 70 prospect

Averaged 16.2 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocked shots per game as a junior and won a state title. Two-time Alaska player of the year

What Jensen said:

"Layla is just a tremendous post player that just about everyone in the country has taken notice of, and we are so fortunate to get her. She's versatile in how she can run, how she can score at the block, and I think she's just scratching the tip of the iceberg. She's also a tremendous young woman, and we are beyond pumped to have her."

What Hays said:

“The immediate connection with the team and coaches. Coach Jan believes in me not only as a player but as a person as well, and I am confident that she will help me grow into the player I want to become.”

Journey Houston

5-11 guard from Davenport North, No. 85 prospect

Recorded 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in 2 1/2 seasons (missed much of her junior season with a knee injury.

What Jensen said:

"Journey is a hard-working, high-motor kid who just makes everything she is a part of better. Unfortunately, she had a knee injury, so she missed the last part of her junior season and the AAU season, but she's coming back stronger than ever, and we are excited for her to join our team."

What Houston said:

“I chose Iowa because I loved the environment and the people who were there. It was very welcoming, and it felt like a second home. It is less than an hour from my home so my family can come watch me play and I can go home frequently.”

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com