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Emely Rodriguez’s Status Remains Day-to-Day for Iowa Women’s Basketball
Iowa women’s basketball sophomore Emely Rodriguez remains with the team, though her availability continues to be uncertain as she recovers from a back issue, head coach Jan Jensen stated on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The update comes after Rodriguez was absent from the hawkeyes’ bench during their 102-68 victory over Lindenwood on December 13.
Rodriguez has not seen game action since November 22 against Miami, with the initial diagnosis pointing to a back problem. However, subsequent updates have offered limited clarity regarding her long-term prognosis.
“There’s a lot of things I’m trying to figure out with that one,” Jensen said following the Lindenwood game. “So it’s definitely day-to-day.”
The coach reiterated the day-to-day designation ahead of Iowa’s December 20 matchup against UConn. The Lindenwood contest marked the third home game Rodriguez has missed, and the first in which she was not present on the bench.
According to Jensen, the injury potentially occurred either during practice in Florida or immediately upon the team’s return. “it hasn’t gotten to the place where she feels cozy returning yet with the rehabbing,” Jensen explained on December 9 before the Hawkeyes’ game against Iowa State.
Despite her absence from the court, Rodriguez was seen at the team’s holiday gathering on December 10, as documented on the Iowa women’s basketball Instagram account.
[Image of Iowa Women’s Basketball Instagram post documenting the holiday gathering]
With final exams scheduled this week, the Hawkeyes do not return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena for a home game until December 28 against Penn State. Considering the typical practice of not including injured players on road trips, Rodriguez’s presence – or absence – at Carver-Hawkeye Arena will be a key indicator of her progress.
rodriguez,a sophomore guard,has demonstrated flashes of potential but has been inconsistent when healthy. She recorded 13 points against Southern and 11 against Drake, showcasing her ability to create scoring opportunities. Though, she also struggled in a game against Baylor, posting four points and six turnovers. In her last appearance, against Miami on november 22, she played only four minutes.
“Emely is able to get a shot. We just have to continue working on the when,” Jensen said after the team’s return from Florida. “When do you do that? How do you do that? What does that look like? It’s patience, and I’ve got to remind myself. My first press conference, I said patience is going to rule the day. Patience in Emely’s growth, patience in coaching development, patience within all of their circles.”
Jensen emphasized the need for patience in Rodriguez’s development, focusing on improving her shot selection and clock management. “She has that ability. It’s just knowing when and clock management and knowing how we need to utilize that.”
Tyler Tachman contributed to this report.
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