WA CITY — For the second straight year, the Iowa women’s basketball program is getting a center from out west.
This time, it’s way out west.
The Gazette has learned that Layla Hays, a 6-foot-5 center from Wasilla, Alaska, has committed to the program.
Hays is in town this weekend on a visit and is at the Washington-Iowa football game this afternoon.
In her latest Twitter post in July, Hays mentioned Iowa as one of eight finalists for her services, along with Duke, Indiana, North Carolina, Illinois, Nebraska, Gonzaga and Washington.
Hays is listed as the No. 68 recruit in the 2025 class. She is the second member of Iowa’s class, joining Addie Deal and Journey Houston.
Freshman Ava Heiden, from Oregon is expected to be the starting post when the Hawkeyes host Missouri Western in their exhibition game Oct. 30.
