Syd Affolter emerging as a vocal leader for the Hawkeyes
Hawkeye fans have know about the heart, hustle and ability of Syd Affolter for quite sometime. However, fans outside of those in the state of Iowa were introduced to Affolter last March when she seamlessly stepped into the Hawkeyes starting lineup for the injured Molly Davis and helped Iowa to their second straight national title game appearance. Over nine postseason games, Syd averaged 12.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. The Hawkeyes lost five seniors from that team, and now, that Syd Affolter that showed up for the postseason will be the one that Head Coach Jan Jensen will hope to see on a nightly basis this season.
“I think more than anything, it helped my confidence for sure,” said Affolter on Tuesday morning after practice. “Being able to have those minutes and show the player that I am. I’ve known the whole time and I’ve said quite a bit that I’ve worked so hard and I know what I can do. Being able to show that and get those minutes on the floor and go so deep in the postseason was really exciting.”
“There’s four new teams coming into the Big Ten and sometimes I didn’t always finish off two feet or finish strong, so that’s definitely been an emphasis. I always need to finish strong around the rim, especially against 6’7 and UCLA…Always working on my outside shot, my three-point shot, some off the dribble stuff, but a lot of the same things, just really keying in on it.”
While her on the court contributions will be imperative to the success of the team this season, Syd will be heavily relied on for her leadership as well. With Kate Martin off playing in the WNBA, the Hawkeyes need a new vocal leader. So far, it has been a natural fit for her.
“She’s been awesome. She’s really stepped into her role. Everybody looks up to her, respects her and I know I really do,” said true freshman guard Taylor Stremlow. “I’m just watching what she does, asking questions and really taking in her feedback. It’s been super helpful throughout the whole summer.”
Although the role as vocal leader for the Hawkeyes is relatively new for Syd Affolter, she says that it’s a role that she has felt comfortable in for the majority of her basketball playing career going back to her time at Marist High School in Chicago.
“I think my dad instilled that in me really early…In high school I was a captain my sophomore, junior and senior year, so I’ve just grown in that way ever since I was in high school and I really kept that with me…Kate definitely taught me a lot in that, but I’m excited to lead the team in my own way and be my own person.”
“I think it really has been super natural for me. Like I said, in high school, I was a captain and in all aspects of my life, I have a pretty outgoing personality and I like to talk and meet a lot of people, so I’m not too shy, it’s not hard for me to use my voice…this team is working so hard and there’s not much to you’ve got to harp on them about.”
Team chemistry has been a huge part of the Hawkeyes success the past few seasons. Their daily circle meeting at half court led by Coach Lisa Bluder amongst many other things built an unbreakable bond between everyone on the team. Although there are six newcomers and Jan Jensen is leading the way as head coach, the goal remains to have the same culture and team chemistry that allowed past teams to be so successful.
“It’s super important. Our chemistry has been so great the past couple of years and that’s because we just love each other. We love being around each other, so we play a lot better together and it’s been the same transition this year. We’re such an easygoing team and everyone is very likeable….We always emphasize how great our chemistry is how much we love each other on and off the court.”
Despite a roster that looks very different from last season, the Hawkeyes are focused on competing for a Big Ten championship and making another deep NCAA Tournament run. For those things to come to fruition, Syd Affolter is going to have to be a big part of it, on and off the court.
