Iowa State Women's Basketball: The 1970s Origins
Every great program has a foundation built on hard work and local pride. For Iowa State women's basketball, that foundation was forged in the 1970s by young women who played for the love of the game and their community. Before the packed arenas and national audiences, the Cyclones were fighting for respect in the Big Eight and establishing a legacy that endures today.
This retrospective covers the program's inception in 1973 through the 1979-80 season. It was a period of transition and grassroots growth, as the team evolved from a new varsity sport into a competitive force. The players relied on determination and community support, proving that individual effort and traditional values could build something lasting.
From the P.E. Building to Hilton Coliseum
The program began in the P.E. Building, now known as the Forker Building. This modest venue served as the primary home court through the 1975-76 season. Starting in 1976, the Cyclones began splitting home games between Forker and the iconic Hilton Coliseum. This transition continued until the team moved exclusively to Hilton for the 1982-83 season.
From the 2025-26 Iowa State women's basketball fact book: