National Sensation Addison Bjorn Stuns Women’s College Basketball — 5-Star Recruit Officially Commits to Iowa, Cancels All Visits to Duke, UConn, Texas, and Kansas in Bold Move That Sends Shockwaves Through Recruiting World
In one of the most electrifying recruiting twists of the year, 5-star women’s basketball phenom Addison Bjorn has officially announced her commitment to the University of Iowa, stunning fans, analysts, and rival programs across the nation. The announcement came just days before her anticipated visits to powerhouse programs Duke, UConn, Texas, and Kansas, all of which were abruptly canceled following her decision.
Bjorn, widely regarded as one of the top forwards in the 2025 class, made her decision public through a heartfelt social media post on Wednesday afternoon, where she expressed her gratitude to every program that recruited her — but said that “Iowa just felt like home from the start.”
> “From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew this was where I belonged,” Bjorn said. “The culture, the fans, and the coaching staff — it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of. I’m ready to write my story in black and gold.”
The announcement immediately sent ripples throughout the college basketball landscape. Bjorn had been heavily recruited by nearly every major women’s basketball powerhouse in the country, and her list of finalists included UConn, Duke, Texas, and Kansas — all programs with rich championship histories and strong NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities.
But according to insiders close to her family, the decision wasn’t about fame or financial deals. It was about fit, loyalty, and vision.
The Iowa Connection
Iowa, led by head coach Lisa Bluder, has emerged in recent years as a premier destination for elite women’s basketball talent — especially following the historic run of Caitlin Clark, who became a national icon and helped elevate the Hawkeyes program to global recognition. Bjorn reportedly grew up watching Clark’s rise, and that inspiration played a major role in her decision.
“Addison wants to follow in Caitlin’s footsteps — not by being her, but by carving her own path in the same program that helped change women’s basketball forever,” one recruiting analyst said. “This is a statement commitment for Iowa. It signals that their momentum didn’t end with Clark’s graduation — it’s just beginning.”
A Power Shift in Women’s Hoops
Bjorn’s commitment marks another major recruiting victory for Iowa, who continue to defy expectations against traditional juggernauts like UConn and Stanford. With Bjorn’s pledge, the Hawkeyes now boast one of the top recruiting classes in the nation, solidifying their reputation as a growing powerhouse in the post-Caitlin Clark era.
Duke and UConn had been widely considered the frontrunners in Bjorn’s recruitment as recently as last month. Sources within those programs described her sudden change as “unexpected” and “a major setback,” particularly for Duke head coach Kara Lawson, who had personally led several in-home visits to secure Bjorn’s commitment.
Meanwhile, Iowa fans flooded social media with messages of celebration. Within minutes of her announcement, the hashtag #WelcomeAddison trended nationally on X (formerly Twitter), as fans, alumni, and even former players shared their excitement.
What’s Next for Bjorn and Iowa
Bjorn is expected to make her official campus appearance at Iowa’s “Black and Gold Madness” event next weekend, where she will be introduced to fans for the first time. The event is already expected to sell out, marking another sign of the continued enthusiasm surrounding women’s basketball in Iowa City.
The 6-foot-2 forward is praised for her elite athleticism, scoring versatility, and leadership qualities — all traits that make her a potential program cornerstone from day one. Scouts have described her as “a blend of competitive fire and technical precision,” capable of making an immediate impact in the Big Ten.
> “She’s the kind of player who can change the entire identity of a program,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Rachel Kline. “This isn’t just a commitment — it’s a statement that Iowa is here to stay among the elite.”
As for Bjorn, she seems ready for the challenge ahead.
“I’m proud of this decision,” she said. “This is where my heart led me — and I can’t wait to get to work. Hawkeye Nation, let’s make history together.”