Fight for Iowa – The Official Podcast of Iowa Athletics

On this week’s Fight for Iowa podcast, Gary Dolphin sits down with new Iowa soccer head coach Dean Ward. The Birmingham, England native brings nearly two decades of coaching experience to Iowa City after leading Xavier to 31 wins over the past two seasons, including a 2025 Big East Tournament title and an NCAA Round of 32 appearance.Ward inherits a strong Hawkeye program coming off a 12-5-4 season, a third-place Big Ten finish, and a trip to the NCAA Tournament second round. With standout returners Sofia Bush, Millie Greer, and Iba Oching, plus one of the nation’s top freshman classes, Iowa looks poised to build on its No. 21 national ranking.Ward discusses his coaching philosophy, similarities with former head coach Dave Dianni, and his vision for a more aggressive attacking style. Plus, a look ahead to the Hawkeyes’ spring exhibition matchup against Iowa State.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Hawkeyes make their 30th NCAA Tournament appearance—and first since 2022—squaring off with Clemson in an 8/9 matchup Friday in Tampa. Led by senior guard Bennet Stirtz, who averaged 22 points per game in Big Ten play, Iowa enters March with momentum after a 21-win season in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.Clemson counters with a deep, balanced roster and All-ACC forward RJ Godfrey, but will be without starting center Carter Welling due to injury. With both teams known for their defense, this matchup sets up as one of the most competitive games of the opening round—with a potential showdown against top-seeded Florida looming.We hear from head coach Ben McCollum and floor leader Bennett Stirtz as the Hawkeyes prepare for Friday’s tip.Plus, Iowa Women’s Basketball opens NCAA Tournament play in Iowa City as a No. 2 seed, hosting Fairleigh Dickinson at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Head coach Jan Jensen, Kylie Feuerbach, and a veteran Hawkeye squad look to make another deep March run on their home floor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Ben McCollum 03-09-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Jan Jensen 03-09-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tom Brands joins the Fight for Iowa Podcast as the Hawkeyes prepare for the Big Ten Wrestling Championships. The Iowa head coach breaks down the team’s mindset heading into the postseason, discusses key wrestlers and matchups to watch, and explains what it will take for the Hawkeyes to compete for a conference title. Brands also shares insight into Iowa’s preparation, the intensity of the Big Ten tournament, and how the Hawkeyes are positioning themselves for the road to the NCAA Championships.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Jan Jensen 03-02-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Ben McCollum 03-02-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Jan Jensen 02-23-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Jan Jensen 02-23-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Ben McCollum 02-18-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Jan Jensen 02-18-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the Fight for Iowa Podcast, Dolph sits down with the newest voice in the Hawkeye coaching room — Chris Polizzi, Iowa’s Special Teams Coordinator. Fresh off earning the role leading one of the most vital (and often game-deciding) phases of football, Polizzi opens up about stepping into his new position for the Hawkeyes and the mindset he brings to the job. With two decades of coaching experience at the collegiate level — including stops at Tulsa, UT-Martin, UCLA, Utah, Western Carolina, Tennessee Tech, and previous roles with Iowa — Chris offers insight into what it takes to coach at the highest levels of college football and how special teams fit into the Hawkeyes’ identity.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Jan Jensen 02-09-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Ben McCollum 02-09-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Ben McCollum 02-02-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Jan Jensen 02-02-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iowa Swimming and Diving celebrates Senior Night this Friday as the Hawkeyes host St. Thomas at the Campus Wellness and Recreation Center.Iowa enters the meet 3–3 overall and 2–2 in Big Ten duals, coming off big wins over Illinois and Nebraska in what has been a record-setting season under head coach Nathan Mundt and diving coach Todd Waikel.Senior diver Lainey Woodward and junior standout Olivia Swalley join this week’s Fight for Iowa podcast. Woodward discusses her comeback from injury and what Senior Night means to a class that helped guide the program through difficult early years. Swalley reflects on a season that’s seen her lead the team in five events and rewrite the record book.Plus, a look ahead at a bright future: freshman Payton Flowers’ pool record in the 50 free, and a Hawkeye Invitational that produced 19 program top-10 times, three champions, and three school records.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Ben McCollum 01-26-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Jan Jensen 01-26-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gary Dolphin welcomes Iowa men’s basketball assistant coaches Bryston Williams and Josh Sash to Fight for Iowa this week for a powerful, personal conversation. The two discuss their individual journeys into coaching, their transition to Iowa, and what it’s like working for head coach Ben McCollum. Josh also reflects on the life and legacy of his late brother, former Hawkeye All-American safety Tyler Sash, and how that connection to Iowa continues to shape him today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Jan Jensen 01-19-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Ben McCollum 01-19-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Jan Jenson 01-12-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Ben McCollum 01-12-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.