June 15, 2007
Iowa women’s basketball senior Johanna Solverson has been granted a sixth-year of eligibility from the NCAA. The announcement came today from Head Coach Lisa Bluder.
“I’m thankful the NCAA granted me another year to compete at the NCAA level,” said Solverson. “I’m extremely eager and excited to get back to game action after spending the last two seasons on the sidelines. I look forward to being a team leader and helping my teammates, on-and-off the court.”
Solverson suffered back-to-back ACL tears to her right knee during the summers of 2005 and 2006.
The 6-2 small forward played in all but one game her first three seasons. One of Iowa’s most versatile players, she boasts a career average of 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.67 steals in 94 games.
“Johanna brings a wealth of experience to our team,” Bluder said. “She was a three-year starter and an impact player her first three seasons as a Hawkeye. She has paid the price to be here and is yearning to get back on the court in an Iowa uniform. That type of dedication and desire will be a great example to our younger players. Johanna has been voted captain by her teammates and coaches because of her ability to lead, which will also be an asset to our team this season.”
During the 2004-05 campaign, Solverson became only the second Iowa player to amass over 350 points, 125 assists and rebounds and 70 steals in a single season (Michelle Edwards). She averaged 10.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals in 33 contests. Her 4.1 assists average ranked third in the Big Ten and led all conference juniors.
The native of Lake Zurich, IL, ranks ninth in Iowa career assists (284), 13th in steals (157), 20th in rebounding (408) and 29th in scoring (802). She has scored in double figures 34 times in her career, including 17 times her junior season.
Solverson was named to the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge all-tournament team her freshman and junior seasons and was recognized on the 2003 all-Big Ten freshman team.
Solverson becomes only the second Iowa women’s basketball player to receive a sixth year from the NCAA. Simone Edwards (1993-97) received a sixth year after suffering two season-ending knee injuries. Edwards played two full seasons and a partial third with the Hawkeyes after transferring to Iowa from Seminole Junior College.
Not only do the 2007-08 Iowa Hawkeyes add Solverson, but also sophomore transfer JoAnn Hamlin and freshmen Kachine Alexander and Kelsey Cermak. Iowa returns all 10 letterwinners, including all five starters from a year ago.