Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/896242
115 T he tiny community of Port Wing, Wisconsin, continues to produce big-time women's basketball talent. Port Wing, population 164, sits a baseline-to- baseline distance from Lake Superior in central Wisconsin. It is home to Jolene Anderson, who scored 2,312 points for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2004-08. It is also home to Megan Gustafson, who is approaching equally astronomical statistics as a junior at the University of Iowa. In two seasons with the Hawkeyes, the 6-foot-3 Gustafson has scored 980 points with 27 double- doubles in points and rebounds. In 2016, she was named to the All-Big Ten Conference Freshman Team; in 2017, she was named First Team All-Big Ten by coaches and media. With all the individual attention she garners from opposing defenses and in the media, Gustafson is unwavering when it comes to her prevailing mission: "We expect to be back in the NCAA Tournament," Gustafson said. "My No. 1 focus is on the team; I will do the best I can and see what happens from there." Gustafson has played 67 games for the Hawkeyes. Five of those have been in the postseason, all in the WNIT. at is a rarity at Iowa, where from 2008-15, the Hawkeyes made eight consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Her third season at Iowa began with the first day of official practice Oct. 2. Gustafson is trying to become a more vocal leader, especially with the graduation of Ally Disterho, the school's all-time leading scorer. e fact Gustafson continues to be more productive on the court has Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder talking about awards more significant than all-conference. "I believe Megan can be an All-American," Bluder said. "I don't think there is any reason why she shouldn't be a WNBA and possibly a first-round WNBA pick. I think she is that good. "She could be on pace to become the all-time leading scorer at Iowa and possibly the all- time leading rebounder. She is embarking on unbelievable records." Her roots are in a tiny community in Wisconsin that, yes, is known for basketball, but more for fishing, summer tourism, and a Fish Boil of trout every Labor Day weekend at the town hall and pavilion. Many hats are worn by the citizens of Port Wing and an example is the Fish Boil that was started in 1958 by Floyd "Bing" Anderson. He was not only a fisherman, but also head coach of the Port Wing baseball team. e first Fish Boil was held to raise money for baseball uniforms. One of Gustafson's role models is teacher/coach Jodi Truchon, who also wears many hats as assistant basketball coach, head volleyball coach, and band instructor. "She was there for me and my family through everything," Gustafson said. Including Gustafson, there were 11 in the 2015 graduating class at South Shore High School. She also wore plenty of hats by playing volleyball and placing fourth in the Division 3 shot put at the state meet as a senior. "I loved both those sports but it was basketball that stole my heart from the beginning," Gustafson said. at is understandable for someone who stood 5-feet in third grade and always seemed to hover over classmates. Her father played basketball at Wisconsin-Superior, her mother played basketball and volleyball at e College of St. Scholastica, and her older sister played basketball at Upper Iowa.