Kalli Hansen commits to Hawkeyes

IOWA CITY -- In Kalli Hansen, the University of Iowa women's basketball team is gaining depth.

And a winner.

Hansen, a 5-foot-11 forward from Olin by way of Kirkwood Community College, has orally committed to play next season for the Hawkeyes.

"It came down to a family decision, what fit the best," Hansen said.

The first Kirkwood player under Kim Muhl to transfer to Iowa, Hansen picked the Hawkeyes over Marquette and Iowa State. She also visited Saint Joseph's and North Dakota.

She led Kirkwood in scoring at 10 points per game as the Eagles won their fourth consecutive NJCAA Division-II national title.

"Kalli will give Iowa another option to shoot the ball," Muhl said. "That's one of her biggest assets. And she's getting better at putting the ball on the floor.

"She's a good kid, a good student from a good family."

Hansen was part of what probably will be Olin's last hurrah in girls' basketball, leading the Lions to a Class 1A regional final in 2008, before losing to eventual state champion Springville.

She registered 21 points and 10 rebounds per game and earned first-team all-state honors as the Lions earned their first winning season in 29 years.

One of the smallest schools in the state, Olin did not field a team last winter.

Hansen's arrival means that Iowa will have 11 scholarship players next season. The Hawkeyes were 20-14 last season and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

"They're a little short on numbers, so I'm hoping I can come in and play right away," she said. "Hopefully, I can give them another shooter or come in and play the '4' for them."