HAWK TALK

December 2018

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196 In high school, Stewart said her top priority was her performance; in college that switched quickly to nurturing relationships with teammates and coaches. "I thought, OK, here I am, I'm Miss Basketball and I'm going to contribute," Stewart said. "en I kind of fell flat on my face and realized this is a different level. I have a lot of learning and getting better to do before I can do something to contribute to this team. It's not easy at first, especially as a freshman and sophomore." A spiritual person, Stewart's basketball predicament could have been lied from the Book of Proverbs in the Holy Bible. Chapter 29:23-24 reads: "Angry people stir up conflict; hotheads cause much offense. Pride lays people low, but those of humble spirit gain honor." Stewart has been in the supporting cast, now she is ready for a leading role. "You have to humble yourself and get a different perspective on things," Stewart said. "It gives a different appreciation for being on the court and being able to play. You learn to love the little things like practice and being on the floor or being able to encourage your teammates. "I had to mature fast — I don't think anyone expects to not play right away. It was a learning process and I don't think I would be the teammate or player I am now without it. It changed the way I looked at basketball in general." Prior to the 2018-19 season, with Stewart on the roster, the Hawkeyes have won 63 games (an average of 21 per season) and played in six postseason games (winning three). But the sport has taken her much farther than arenas in Big Ten Conference cities. rough basketball, or because she had the blessing from the Iowa staff, Stewart has seen the world, traveling to Italy, Poland, Africa, and Brazil. Stewart's most recent basketball excursion was to Sao Paulo, Brazil, as a member of USA Team in the FISU America Games from July 24-28. e USA Team, that included Gustafson, went 4-0 and won the gold medal. Gold medals, points, rebounds, or wins don't do justice in describing Stewart or her values. "e basis of who I am is my faith," Stewart said. "At first I found my identity in basketball and all these worldly things. en I realized 'Wow, I have nothing else to rely on, I need to rely on God.' It has been a gi of God for me to have the experiences that I have. I would not have wanted it any other way."

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