April 25, 2011
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa Head Women’s Basketball Coach Lisa Bluder has announced that redshirt sophomore Hannah Draxten has applied for a medical exemption, ending her playing career as a Hawkeye. She will remain with the team for her senior season as a student-assistant coach.
Draxten battled constant back problems during her playing days at Iowa. The Fergus Falls, Minn., native played in 30 games as a freshman, but only saw action in four games as a sophomore due to a herniated disc in her back. Draxten had back surgery following the season and returned to the roster for the 2010-11 campaign. Draxten’s back issues continued, but she still managed to play in 24 of Iowa’s 31 contests.
“This was a really hard decision to make,” Draxten said. “After talking with the medical staff and coaches, we decided that not playing again was in my best interest. I absolutely loved my time as a Hawkeye student-athlete. I will never forget the feeling of playing in front of all the great Iowa fans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. I appreciate the coaches inviting me back for my senior season as a student-assistant coach, and I’m looking forward to being with this awesome group next season.”
Draxten played in 58 games in her three seasons, recording 157 career points, 108 rebounds, 43 assists and 18 steals. She made 34 three-pointers, including 23 as a freshman. Draxten netted a career-high 13 points against Northwestern, as a freshman, in 2009.
Draxten is a two-time Academic all-Big Ten selection and earned the team’s Coaches Award this season.
“We are very disappointed that Hannah will not be able to remain on our roster as a student-athlete,” Bluder said. “When healthy, Hannah was a key contributor to our team. Unfortunately, her back was not able to fully heal. Hannah brings great energy and enthusiasm to our program, so it was a natural decision for us to have her remain with the team as a student-assistant coach.”