Another chapter closes on a thrilling season for Iowa women's basketball, and the final verdict from the coaches is in. The Hawkeyes have cemented their status as a national powerhouse, finishing at No. 12 in the season's last USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

This top-15 finish caps a remarkable journey for Jan Jensen's squad, which spent the entire season ranked after starting just inside the top 25. Their consistency and grit saw them climb as high as No. 7 nationally, proving they could compete with the best.

The on-court results tell the story of a team built for success. Iowa posted an impressive 27-7 overall record (15-3 in the competitive Big Ten), securing a second-place finish in the regular season and battling their way to the Big Ten Tournament championship game. Their season ultimately concluded with a hard-fought second-round NCAA Tournament loss, a testament to the high-stakes environment they consistently reached.

While national champion UCLA and runner-up South Carolina sit atop the final rankings, Iowa's position solidifies their place among the elite. It was a season defined by growth, resilience, and a standard of excellence that Hawkeye fans have come to expect. As the team looks ahead, this ranking is a strong foundation for the future.