Soares to Enter 2023 WNBA Draft

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State women's basketball forward/center Stephanie Soares will enter the 2023 WNBA Draft after her waiver for an additional year of eligibility was denied, Iowa State announced on Wednesday. Soares was seeking an additional year after playing in 13 contests for the Cyclones before tearing the ACL in her left knee at Oklahoma on Jan. 8.

A senior from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Soares joined the Cyclones this past summer after four years at The Master's University at the NAIA level. In 13 games for ISU, she averaged 14.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game. Soares, who had eight double-doubles on the season, was shooting 54.4 percent from the field.

The highlights from her season included a season-opening 15 points and 14 rebounds against Cleveland State on Nov. 7, 23 points, 11 rebounds and a career-best six blocks against Michigan State at the Phil Knight Invitational on Nov. 24 and the sixth 20-rebound game in ISU history on Jan. 4 against West Virginia.

A full statement from Soares is below:
"It is disappointing that my time with Iowa State women's basketball has come to an end. Thank you to the Iowa State coaching staff and the Iowa State compliance staff on their effort during the waiver process.

I want to again thank my teammates, coaches, doctors, athletic training staff and Iowa State fans for all their support and encouraging words throughout the past few months. Though I was unable to be on the court with you, we will always be Big 12 Champions!

My time in Ames was brief, but I will always be a Cyclone!

I have always had my family and God at my side during challenging times, and that is not changing. With the strength God gives me, I look forward to continuing the rehab process, going through the WNBA Draft process and returning to the basketball court when the time is right." - Stephanie Soares

Players Mentioned

Stephanie Soares

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