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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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

Hawk Talk with 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 01-07-26See 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 1-07-26See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Tampa, Gary Dolphin and former Hawkeye great Pat Angerer wrap up Bowl Week coverage on the Fight for IowaBowl Preview Show, presented by Hills Bank, with a final look ahead to Iowa vs. Vanderbilt in the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl. The episode focuses on final preparations, mindset, and what will matter most when the Hawkeyes take the field.This final pregame show features interviews with Hawkeyes Max Llewellyn and Deshaun Lee, offering player perspective on Bowl Week, team chemistry, and the opportunity to finish the season strong on the national stage in Tampa.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fight for Iowa Bowl Preview Show 12-30-25See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Tampa, Gary Dolphin and former Hawkeye great Pat Angerer continue Bowl Week coverage on the Fight for Iowa Bowl Preview Show, presented by Hills Bank, as the Hawkeyes prepare for the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl matchup against Vanderbilt. The show breaks down the latest storylines, preparation, and mindset as Iowa gets set to close the season on the national stage.This episode features player interviews with Kaden Wetjen, Kamari Moulton, and Logan Jones, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Bowl Week from the locker room to the practice field. Insight and perspective from Hawkeye voices as kickoff approaches in Tampa.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Tampa, the Fight for Iowa Bowl Preview Show continues as Pat Angerer and Gary Dolphin dive deeper into Iowa’s preparation for the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl matchup with Vanderbilt. This episode focuses on the defensive mindset and quarterback play as Iowa readies itself for bowl season, with insight on matchups, adjustments, and what will matter most on game day.The show features interviews with Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker and quarterback Mark Gronowski, breaking down preparation, leadership, and the keys to success in Tampa as the Hawkeyes approach their postseason finale.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from Tampa, Gary Dolphin and former Hawkeye great Pat Angerer preview Iowa’s bowl matchup against Vanderbilt in the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl on this special Fight for Iowa Bowl Preview Show, presented by Hills Bank. Dolph and Angerer break down the key storylines, matchups, and what to expect as the Iowa Hawkeyes close the season on the national stage.The episode features interviews with Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester and Hawkeye linebacker Koen Entringer, providing insight into preparation, mindset, and the keys to success in Tampa as bowl week arrives.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 12-22-25See 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 12-22-25See 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 12-15-25See 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 12-15-25See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gary Dolphin is joined by Iowa men’s basketball assistant coach Luke Barnwell, who made the move to Iowa after a successful run at Texas Tech. Barnwell discusses his coaching journey, what drew him to Iowa, and his perspective on building success in the Big Ten.Barnwell brings 14 years of coaching experience, including helping Texas Tech to a 51–20 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances, plus an elite prep résumé as a two-time Naismith High School Coach of the Year at Sunrise Christian Academy. Growing up in Emporia, Kansas, Barnwell shares his roots in the game and his vision for Hawkeye basketball.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 12-08-25See 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 12-08-25See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special bowl-edition episode of the Fight for Iowa Podcast, Gary Dolphin brings you audio from Head Coach Kirk Ferentz’s ReliaQuest Bowl announcement press conference. Hear Coach Ferentz break down Iowa’s postseason bid, the matchup with Vanderbilt, and how the Hawkeyes will prepare for their trip to Tampa. It’s your first look at Iowa’s bowl plan as the team gears up for its New Year’s Eve showdown.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Fight for Iowa podcast, Director of Recruiting Tyler Barnes sits down to dive into Iowa Football’s latest signing class—who’s coming in, what traits the staff values, and how this group fits the long-term vision for the program. Barnes also explains Iowa’s strategy in the ever-evolving transfer portal landscape and what fans should watch for in the months ahead.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 12-03-25See 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 12-03-25See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hawk Talk with Kirk Ferentz 11-24-25See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.