As anticipated, the Hawkeyes have officially landed their replacement for Kennedy Blades - and it's about as good as one could've hoped for:
This move has been in the works for a while now, and (I'm told) was solidified shortly after Blades announced she would be forgoing her final year of eligibility.
In Brooklyn Hays, the Hawkeyes replace Blades with the woman whom she defeated at Final X a year ago (in a gritty two-match series, no less).
Hays also has plenty of notable wins on her ledger, including a recent victory over a multi-time World/Olympic medalist.
You can read about that (and more) in my write-up on yet another big midsummer addition for the Iowa women:
Iowa adds Senior-level stalwart Brooklyn Hays for 2026-27 season - On3
This move has been in the works for a while now, and (I'm told) was solidified shortly after Blades announced she would be forgoing her final year of eligibility.
In Brooklyn Hays, the Hawkeyes replace Blades with the woman whom she defeated at Final X a year ago (in a gritty two-match series, no less).
Hays also has plenty of notable wins on her ledger, including a recent victory over a multi-time World/Olympic medalist.
You can read about that (and more) in my write-up on yet another big midsummer addition for the Iowa women:
Iowa adds Senior-level stalwart Brooklyn Hays for 2026-27 season - On3
