Ernst, Grassley Celebrate Hawkeye Women’s Basketball, Honor the Crossover at Kinnick

WASHINGTON – Today, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst led a resolution joined by Senator Chuck Grassley honoring the women’s basketball team at the University of Iowa for hosting a record-breaking game, giving back to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and inspiring female athletes across the country.

“I am beyond proud of our incredible, record-breaking women’s basketball team at the University of Iowa,” said Senator Ernst. “The achievements of this program are an inspiration for Iowans and female athletes everywhere. I will always cheer on Iowa’s teams and protect opportunities for women in sports!”

“Congrats to Hawkeye Women’s Basketball for their victory at Kinnick Stadium and drawing a record-breaking crowd – and not to mention, doing it for a charitable cause. As a big fan of history and Iowa sports, the Crossover game was a ‘win’ in more ways than one,” Senator Grassley said. “This team consistently puts their hard work and talent to the test, setting a leading example on and off the court. I look forward to a great season ahead!“

Background:

On October 15, 2023, the University of Iowa Hawkeyes competed against the DePaul University Blue Devils in a charity basketball game to benefit the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The Crossover at Kinnick event was the first-ever National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women’s basketball game to be played outdoors in a football stadium, with a record of 55,646 people attending.

Ernst is a fierce advocate for women’s sports and scholarship opportunities. She is leading the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which bans recipients of federal funding from operating, sponsoring, or facilitating athletic programs that permit a male to participate in a women’s sporting event.

Read the resolution here.

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