Jan Jensen: ‘Layla’s confidence is coming’

Ava Heiden is one of the best post players in the Big Ten and in the country.

For Iowa, the key this year is depth. That begins with Layla Hays.

The 6’5″ center averaged four points and 2.5 rebounds a game during her first year in Iowa City. She’s getting better everyday by going up against her roommate, Ava Heiden.

“I mean obviously my finishing, physicality, being able to be in the game and not foul, being able to finish my shot and have the moves. A lot of reps outside of practice with Randi and by myself. Yeah, I mean, it’s definitely a confidence boost that (Coach Jan) trusts me and it makes me want to push myself more when I am in the gym by myself, and when I am going against Ava, going against our practice players,” Hays said. “Just knowing that I need to be there, I need to be ready for when the games come.”

“Layla’s confidence is coming. I think we need to maintain it. Ya know, it’s like a lot of kids. They get a couple buckets and are feeling good about the day. Then you miss a couple, but I think she is really figuring out when she can use her body,” Jan Jensen said.” That’s what I’ve challenged her with, like, you’re not a placeholder. I want you to change the game coming in. I don’t want it to do anything with Ava needing rest or foul trouble. It’s can we change the game? And that’s where I wanted her mentality to be, and I think she is embracing that.”

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