April 2, 2026Updated April 3, 2026, 8:37 p.m. ET
PHOENIX ― Texas women’s basketball coach Vic Schaefer might barely communicate when he was lately requested about Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly and the mass exodus he is experiencing along with his program.
On Thursday, Cyclones center Audi Crooks introduced her intention to enter the transfer portal. Crooks’ departure marked the tenth Iowa State participant to disclose they are going to be leaving the crew to pursue different choices. A lot of gamers switching groups is not unusual within the transfer portal period, however Fennelly’s program has been hit significantly arduous in latest days.
When Schaefer was requested about what Fennelly is experiencing from a coach’s perspective, he paused, shaking his head and rubbing his palms collectively, deep in thought and visibly emotional. Eventually, he gave a heartfelt response to on-site media within the room forward of Texas’ Final Four matchup on Friday towards UCLA (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
“I mean, you’re talking about somebody that’s literally given his life to this game. It is hard. I’m obviously friends with Bill. His whole family has given so much to this game, to so many young women,” stated Schaefer.
“It’s just not the same. It’s just not the same job it was five years ago, certainly not what it was 10, 15, 20 years ago. It’s just way different. … There was a thing called the dinosaur a while ago. What happened to them? They couldn’t figure it out. What happened? They became extinct. We better figure it out, or we’re going to become extinct. That’s just the way it is.”
Ultimately, Schaefer later admitted that he was saddened by what was occurring to Fennelly.
“I’m so disheartened and disappointed, especially for him, because I know what he’s given to this game his whole life,” Schaefer stated.
Fennelly launched an announcement on Thursday, sharing how a lot school basketball has modified and reassuring followers that Iowa State would transfer ahead.
“It goes without saying that college sports have undergone tremendous change the past few years, and our program has obviously been impacted by the current landscape this spring. While I am sad and disappointed that some of our players have chosen to pursue other opportunities, I want to thank them for their time at Iowa State and wish them all the best as they move on,” Fennelly said.
“I look forward with enthusiasm to next season and promise you, we will have a team that represents all of you the Iowa State way.”
