Former Iowa Hawkeye Is Off to the Olympics, But Not for Team USA

A few weeks ago, Iowa Hawkeye fans were shocked by Team USA's women's Olympic 5-on-5 team roster. This star-studded roster included stellar players from the WNBA like Diana Taurasi, A'ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart.

There was one huge name that didn't make the list; Caitlin Clark.

Get our free mobile app

While fans won't be seeing Clark in Paris this summer, there is actually another former Hawkeye who will be playing hoops in the Olympics.

Before Clark There Was Gustafson

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Megan Gustafson was a key player for the Iowa women's basketball team from 2015 to 2019.

During her time as a Hawkeye, she became the team's all-time leading scorer with 2,804 points. Gustafson kept the title until Caitlin Clark edged her out in the 2023-2024 season.

Get our free mobile app

She led the nation in points per game during her final year with the program, and even scored 1,001 points in that season alone.

Gustafson's #10 jersey has also been retired by the Hawkeyes, according to her bio.

After graduating, she was drafted to the Dallas Wings.

She played on the team for two seasons before going to the Washington Mystics for a season, then the Phoenix Mercury for two, and now she's currently playing for the Las Vegas Aces, according to her official WNBA bio.

Like many other players in the WNBA, during the off-season she is a part of the Euroleague.

Gustafson has played for the London Lions, Olympiacos (Greece), and VBW Arka Gdynia (Poland).

For the past few months, she's been training to play on the Olympic 5-on-5 team, but not for Team USA.

Gustafson recently became a naturalized Spanish citizen this year. In February, the former Hawkeye played on the national team in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, according to reports.

Apparently, all Olympic teams are permitted one naturalized player on the roster. The officials for the Spanish team reached out to Megan in February of 2023.

Spain will be facing China in the preliminary round in Group A play on July 28th. The winner of that game will go on to play Puerto Rico on July 31st, according to reports.

Even if she won't be playing for Team USA this time around, Iowa fans will still be cheering Gustafson on!

Once a Hawkeye, always a Hawkeye!

Stay up to date with everything going on in Eastern Iowa by downloading the free station app from the free app store.