College notebook: Iowa’s Sydney Affolter named All-Big Ten

What began in the fall of 2021 for Sydney Affolter has finally come to an end.

And what a memorable journey it was for Affolter playing basketball at Iowa.

This season, the 5-foot-11 senior guard played in 33 games. She led Iowa in rebounding (7.8 rpg), was second in steals (42) and assists (89), tied for third in 3-pointers (38) and was fourth in scoring (8.5 ppg).

That was enough to earn Affolter a spot on the media all-conference team.

“My goal from the beginning of the season was to be All-Big Ten,” Affolter wrote in an email. “I was very excited to see my name on that list with many other great players. To get that recognition, it felt like much of my hard work is paying off.”

Affolter, who hopes to serve as a graduate assistant next season, also was named Iowa’s Sportsmanship Award winner by the Big Ten in women’s basketball.

“The Sportsmanship Award to me pays testament to my character,” Affolter said. “I love to compete, be gritty and feisty, and beat my opponents every chance I step on the court. I also push my teammates to reach their fullest potential.

“This award shows that I not only work hard, compete, and push my teammates, but it also shows that I am a compassionate leader and someone who understands that basketball is a game and feels emotions deeply.” 

The 2021 Marist graduate appeared in 128 games and scored 742 points for the Hawkeyes, who — led by current Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark — went 112-31 overall and 54-18 in the Big Ten during her tenure while twice finishing as national runners-up. 

“I have been extremely blessed to wear Iowa across my chest and carry on the legacy that many former players and coaches instilled in this program,” Affolter said. “It has been my dream since I was a little girl to play college basketball, and I couldn’t have dreamed a better experience for myself. I was also close to home so it meant a lot that my family could come support me and watch me play.

“I will obviously always remember the two Final Fours, (competing for) two National Championships, three Big Ten Tournament Championships, and one Big Ten regular-season champs. Some of the big games like West Virginia, LSU, and the (2024 Big Ten) championship against Nebraska will always stick out to me. But more than all of that, I will remember the friendships I have been able to create in this program and all of the memories we got to share together. The foreign trip (to Italy and Croatia in 2023) was so much fun as well. My teammates and coaches have made a lasting impact on me that I will never forget.” 

● Bella Finnegan finished the season as the second-leading scorer for Indiana State’s women’s basketball team. The 6-foot junior guard from Hometown, who prepped at Mother McAuley, led the Sycamores in 3-pointers with 55 and averaged 12.8 points and three rebounds per game.