Fans react as Layla Hays confirms Iowa women’s basketball return
Here are some of the best social media reactions from Iowa women's basketball fans after freshman center Layla Hays confirmed her return for the 2026-27 season.
Although the recent news of freshman guard Addie Deal , sophomore guard Callie Levin , and junior guard Kennise Johnson all electing to enter the NCAA's offseason transfer portal certainly tolled the emotions of Iowa women's basketball fans, freshman center Layla Hays provided a spark on March 31 by announcing her return to Iowa City for the 2026-27 season. Even though Hays was utilized throughout her first year with the Hawkeyes as the backup center behind sophomore starter Ava Heiden, the 6-foot-5 native of Wasilla, Alaska, gradually learned on the fly and adapted her playing style to meet the demands of the Big Ten. While the current scholarship allocation situation for the Hawkeyes remains a work in progress, here are some of the best reactions from Iowa fans expressing their elation and excitement about Hays' decision to return for her sophomore season in the Black and Gold: OMGGGG YAYYY — S (@justagal752) April 1, 2026 I can’t believe she just used my comment to confirm this.
I’m fangirling! https://t. co/BIutVgd6Ul — S (@justagal752) April 1, 2026 Something to smile about today https://t.
co/RuyjYzxgtB — Dallas Jones (@DallasJonesy) April 1, 2026 So glad! A couple of kiddos at WMS were talking you up today. Go Warriors and Go Hawks!
🖤💛. — J (@AkJilly) April 1, 2026 I am! 💛 — Layla Hays (@LaylaHays2) April 1, 2026 Layla Hays confirms her return to Iowa for her sophomore season with the Hawkeyes.