The recruitment of Khalia Hartwell

[napali]

This is an interesting recruit. She says it is down to Georgia and Iowa. For the record, 9 players from last year's Georgia team transferred (including the top four scorers). Their coach from 2022-2026, Katie Abrahamson was fired. Their new coach, Ayla Guzzardo, who formerly coached at McNeese State is a relatively unknown coach with a decent coaching record at lower tier schools. Their 26/27 squad will be filled with transfers. Now compare this to the Iowa situation. There were five returnees (Ava, Layla, ChitChat, Journey and Stremlow) and we added Dani (all SEC), Amari Whiting , a three year starter with two major programs. McKenna W., the number 8 recruit in the nation., and three role players in Jocelyn, Bria and Ella. The program is higly recognized and the coaching staff returns everyone. So my question is, doesn't this seem like a no-brainer? Is this about money because every objective positive factor points toward Iowa. I don't think Hartwell is a make or break recruit (I would prefer Sienna Willaims), but I wonder what system of analysis a recruit uses when you are down to two schools? Thoughts anyone?

 

[Hawk14]

Closer to home could be a big factor.

 

[VegasChris]

Closer to home could be a big factor.

And likely playing time early.

 

[o_AMAYS]

Closer to home could be a big factor.

Agree. Also, allure of the SEC, especially to SEC-area recruits. Top Big Ten area recruits frequently head to the SEC. But top SEC area recruits seldom head to traditional BIG schools (not sure Hartwell qualifies as a top SEC area recruit).

 

[KyleHuesmann]

I don't think Hartwell is a make or break recruit (I would prefer Sienna Willaims)

They don’t play the same position.

 

[KyleHuesmann]

This is an interesting recruit. She says it is down to Georgia and Iowa. For the record, 9 players from last year's Georgia team transferred (including the top four scorers). Their coach from 2022-2026, Katie Abrahamson was fired. Their new coach, Ayla Guzzardo, who formerly coached at McNeese State is a relatively unknown coach with a decent coaching record at lower tier schools. Their 26/27 squad will be filled with transfers. Now compare this to the Iowa situation. There were five returnees (Ava, Layla, ChitChat, Journey and Stremlow) and we added Dani (all SEC), Amari Whiting , a three year starter with two major programs. McKenna W., the number 8 recruit in the nation., and three role players in Jocelyn, Bria and Ella. The program is higly recognized and the coaching staff returns everyone. So my question is, doesn't this seem like a no-brainer? Is this about money because every objective positive factor points toward Iowa. I don't think Hartwell is a make or break recruit (I would prefer Sienna Willaims), but I wonder what system of analysis a recruit uses when you are down to two schools? Thoughts anyone?

A player’s recruitment isn’t going to come down to just the perceived direction of the program.

Relationship with the staff and relationships with the players are two major factors that fans cannot interpret.

Vanderbilt hadn’t made a Sweet Sixteen since 2010 and hadn’t won an NCAAT game since 2014 when Mikayla Blakes, the #8 player in the ‘24 class, committed.

 

[Hawkangler]

Closer to home could be a big factor.

Anderson is 19 miles to Clemson, 99 miles to UGA and 110 miles to USC. She is close to three schools. Anderson has a nice downtown, some great restraunts. Iowa ped mall could have some appeal.

 

[TheGreatDivider101]

Anderson is 19 miles to Clemson, 99 miles to UGA and 110 miles to USC. She is close to three schools. Anderson has a nice downtown, some great restraunts. Iowa ped mall could have some appeal.

Doubt any of those factors other than location is a consideration. As Kyle said, its about relationships and IMO a little bit about NIL.