**2014–15 Iowa State Cyclones Women’s Basketball Team**
The 2014–15 Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball team represented Iowa State University during the 2014–15 NCAA Division I women’s basketball season. Led by head coach Bill Fennelly in his 20th year, the Cyclones competed in the Big 12 Conference and played their home games at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.
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## 2014–15 Iowa State Cyclones Women’s Basketball Team
The 2014–15 season was a competitive campaign for the Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball team. Under the guidance of veteran head coach Bill Fennelly, the Cyclones sought to build on their program’s tradition of success within the Big 12 Conference and on the national stage. The team demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season, culminating in a postseason appearance in the NCAA tournament.
### Team Overview
The Cyclones entered the 2014–15 season with a roster blending experienced upperclassmen and promising underclassmen. The team’s style of play emphasized strong defense, disciplined offense, and effective rebounding. Coach Fennelly, known for his strategic acumen and player development, aimed to leverage the team’s depth and versatility to compete against some of the nation’s top programs.
### Coaching Staff
– **Head Coach:** Bill Fennelly (20th year)
– **Assistant Coaches:** Jodi Steyer, Latoja Schaben, Billy Fennelly
Bill Fennelly, a highly respected figure in women’s college basketball, brought two decades of experience to the program. His leadership was instrumental in maintaining Iowa State’s competitive stature in the Big 12 and nationally.
### Home Venue
The Cyclones played their home games at Hilton Coliseum, a venue known for its enthusiastic fan base and energetic atmosphere. The home court advantage at Hilton Coliseum often played a significant role in the team’s success.
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## Season Performance
### Regular Season
The Cyclones compiled an overall record of 19–14 during the 2014–15 season. In Big 12 Conference play, they posted a 9–9 record, finishing in a tie for fifth place in the conference standings. The Big 12, known for its competitive women’s basketball programs, provided a challenging schedule that tested the Cyclones’ consistency and resilience.
Throughout the regular season, Iowa State demonstrated balanced scoring and strong defensive efforts. The team secured notable victories against conference rivals and maintained competitiveness in close games. Their performance reflected a commitment to teamwork and adaptability.
### Big 12 Tournament
In the 2015 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament, the Cyclones advanced to the quarterfinals. They faced Baylor University, a perennial powerhouse in women’s basketball, in a hard-fought contest. Despite a determined effort, Iowa State was defeated by Baylor, ending their run in the conference tournament.
### NCAA Tournament
Iowa State received an at-large bid to the 2015 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, marking the program’s continued presence on the national stage. The Cyclones were seeded 8th in the tournament and faced the 9th-seeded Florida State Seminoles in the first round.
In a closely contested game, Iowa State was narrowly defeated by Florida State, concluding their postseason run. The appearance in the NCAA tournament underscored the team’s competitive level and the program’s sustained success under Coach Fennelly.
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## Roster
The 2014–15 Cyclones roster featured a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Key contributors included:
– **Jasmine Hines (Guard):** A senior leader known for her scoring ability and defensive tenacity.
– **Kelsey Bolte (Guard):** A versatile player contributing both offensively and defensively.
– **Tiffany Mitchell (Guard/Forward):** A dynamic scorer and playmaker.
– **Jazmine Redmon (Forward):** Provided interior presence and rebounding.
– **Megan Gustafson (Forward):** A promising freshman who would later become a standout player.
The team’s depth allowed for multiple rotations and strategic adjustments throughout the season.
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## Statistical Highlights
– **Overall Record:** 19–14
– **Conference Record:** 9–9 (Big 12)
– **Postseason:** NCAA Tournament First Round
– **Leading Scorers:** Jasmine Hines and Tiffany Mitchell
– **Rebounding Leaders:** Jazmine Redmon and Megan Gustafson
The Cyclones demonstrated balanced scoring and solid defensive statistics, contributing to their competitive performance in a strong conference.
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## Season Summary and Legacy
The 2014–15 Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball team maintained the program’s tradition of competitiveness within the Big 12 and on the national level. While the season ended earlier than hoped in the NCAA tournament, the team’s performance reflected growth and resilience.
Coach Bill Fennelly’s leadership continued to be a cornerstone of the program’s success, fostering player development and team cohesion. The season also served as a foundation for future success, with underclassmen gaining valuable experience that would benefit the Cyclones in subsequent years.
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## Schedule and Results
### Non-Conference Regular Season
The Cyclones opened the season with a series of non-conference games designed to prepare the team for the rigors of Big 12 play. These games included matchups against regional and national opponents, allowing Iowa State to test various lineups and strategies.
### Big 12 Regular Season
Iowa State’s conference schedule featured home and away games against fellow Big 12 members such as Baylor, Texas, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia. The Cyclones’ 9–9 record reflected the competitive balance within the conference.
### Postseason
– **Big 12 Tournament:** Quarterfinal loss to Baylor
– **NCAA Tournament:** First-round loss to Florida State
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## Impact on Iowa State Women’s Basketball
The 2014–15 season contributed to the ongoing development of Iowa State’s women’s basketball program. The experience gained by younger players and the leadership demonstrated by upperclassmen helped sustain the program’s reputation as a competitive force in women’s college basketball.
The season also reinforced the importance of strong coaching, team chemistry, and adaptability in a challenging conference environment. The Cyclones’ ability to secure an NCAA tournament bid highlighted the program’s consistency and national relevance.
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## Conclusion
The 2014–15 Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball team exemplified determination and competitive spirit throughout a demanding season. Under the experienced guidance of Coach Bill Fennelly, the team navigated a challenging Big 12 schedule and earned a place in the NCAA tournament. While the postseason ended sooner than desired, the season laid groundwork for future achievements and continued prominence in women’s collegiate basketball.
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**Meta Description:**
The 2014–15 Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball team, led by Coach Bill Fennelly, competed in the Big 12 Conference and earned an NCAA tournament bid, finishing with a 19–14 record.