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19 U niversity of Iowa women's basketball sophomore Megan Gustafson hails from the small town of Port Wing, Wisconsin. So small, in fact, Gustafson graduated with a class of 11 in a town that's population is 164. Now, 16 games into her sophomore season, it's ob- vious that there is nothing small about the way she plays on the court. Gustafson found success in her fresh- men campaign. She was the only Big Ten freshman and one of three players in the conference to lead her team in field goal percentage (.554), rebounds per game (6.8), and blocked shots per game (1.8) in 2016. She also compiled the third-most blocks (58), fourth-most rebounds (225), and the seventh-most points (352) of any freshman in program history. She was rewarded at the end of the season with a spot the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. "Last year I didn't know what to expect" said Gus- tafson. Just coming from a small town — every- thing was kind of a shock. Now I'm used to it, and it's exciting to go out there and play." Aer an offseason of liing and training — a new skill acquired aer coming to the University of Iowa — Gustafson has put her increased strength on display. Now, she is one of the best "bigs" in the country. As of Jan. 4, Gustafson ranks in the top-10 in the NCAA in four different categories. She ranks fourth nationally in field-goal percentage (.669), sixth in rebounds (159) and field goals made (117), and ninth in double-doubles (eight). She also ranks 16th in points (280) and 33rd with 9.9 rebounds per game. "I feel stronger this year," said Gustafson. "Being able to back down my post defender and being able to do some moves that maybe I was off-bal- ance on last year has made a big difference." Her teammates have taken notice of her increased production and added strength. "She's starting to make huge strides," said senior Ally Disterho. "When you're confident that your post is go- ing to make the right reads and take it to the hole when it's there, that is what you like to see. We are all happy for her and proud of her progress." Perhaps the biggest compliment of all however, comes from Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder, who is in her 32nd season as a head coach and 17th at the helm of the Hawkeyes. "is is a bold statement because I've been coach- ing a long time, but I think Megan is the hardest working player I've ever coached," said Bluder. "She doesn't take a possession off." Gustafson and the Hawkeyes host three Big Ten home games in January: Illinois (Jan. 11), Mary- land (Jan. 14), and Minnesota (Jan. 21). JAMUARY SCHEDULE Jan. 11 Illinois Jan. 14 Maryland Jan. 17 at Rutgers Jan. 21 Minnesota Jan. 29 at Maryland