January 9, 2023
Iowa State’s Stephanie Soares ruled out for the season
By Tyler DeLuca
Iowa State's dominant big Stephanie Soares ruled out with a torn ACL
Iowa State announced earlier tonight that Center Stephanie Soares would miss the rest of the season after tearing her ACL in her left knee.
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The injury occurred early in the first quarter as Soares went up for a shot in the paint. She was immediately taken back to the locker room following the play.
In a statement released by Iowa State, Head Coach Bill Fennelly said, “As a coach, there is nothing worse than to have a player sustain an injury that ends their season. We are heartbroken for Steph; I am proud of her and the major impact she has made on our program and Iowa State University.”
Stephanie Soares to Miss Remainder of Season
— Cyclone Basketball (@CycloneWBB) January 9, 2023
📰 | https://t.co/pF6RlCkwzA
🌪🏀🌪 pic.twitter.com/XtB1iu8t6g
Soares had been an absolute force in the paint for the Cyclones so far this season. The 6’6 senior averaged a near double-double with 14.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3 blocks.
Soares was in her first and final year at Iowa State after spending the first four years of her collegiate career at The Masters’ University, an NAIA-level school.
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Last season for the Cyclones, it felt like a post-presence was the last piece they were missing. An anchor on both sides of the ball. They had seemingly found that in Soares from the transfer portal, but now they must learn to live without her again.
Looking ahead, Iowa State head coach Fennelly will likely slot Nyamer Diew into Soares’ starting spot. The 6’2 junior does not have the same style of play as Soares but provided solid contributions against Oklahoma. Following the injury, Diew provided 14 points and 6 rebounds in 27 minutes.
It also requires more from the perimeter play from the Cyclones to make up for the production lost. Iowa State star Ashley Joens and her two perimeter teammates, Emily Ryan and Lexi Donarski have plenty of talent to make up the difference.
We will get our first glance at the new look Iowa State on Wednesday when they welcome Kansas State to Ames.
Written by Tyler DeLuca
Tyler DeLuca has been contributing to The Next team since May 2022. Tyler currently is the Big 12 beat writer for The Next. Tyler's work is also featured on Twitter with The Committee, hosting the "Art of the Paint" podcast and on Gameday U Hoops throughout the college season.
