Ashley Joens (born September 4, 1999) is an American professional basketball player. She is noted for her collegiate career with the Iowa State Cyclones women's basketball program, where she became the program’s all‑time leading scorer and earned multiple conference‑level honors. Joens was selected in the 2023 WNBA Draft and has subsequently pursued a professional career.
Early life and education
Joens was born in West Des Moines, Iowa, and attended high school in the state, where she was a highly regarded recruit in women’s basketball. Specific details regarding her high‑school achievements and the exact institution she attended are not extensively documented in publicly available encyclopedic sources.
College career
Joens enrolled at Iowa State University in 2017 and played for the Cyclones from the 2017‑18 season through the 2022‑23 season, utilizing an additional year of eligibility granted due to the COVID‑19 pandemic. Over her collegiate tenure, she:
- Became the Iowa State women’s basketball program’s all‑time leading scorer, surpassing the previous record held by former standout players.
- Earned Big 12 Conference honors, including First‑Team All‑Big 12 selections and the Big 12 Player of the Year award for the 2022‑23 season.
- Received national recognition, being named an Associated Press All‑America Honorable Mention and receiving other All‑American distinctions.
- Averaged double‑digit scoring throughout her career, with her senior‑year averages exceeding 20 points per game.
Her performance helped the Cyclones secure multiple postseason appearances, including NCAA Tournament berths.
Professional career
In the 2023 WNBA Draft, Joens was selected in the second round, 20th overall, by the Seattle Storm. She participated in the Storm’s training camp and preseason activities. As of the latest available information, Joens has not yet appeared in a regular‑season WNBA game and has pursued additional professional opportunities, including playing overseas, a common pathway for many recent draftees seeking further development and playing time.
Playing style
Joens is primarily a forward known for her scoring versatility, rebounding ability, and strong interior presence. Her offensive game includes a mix of post moves, mid‑range shooting, and the capacity to finish at the rim. Defensively, she contributes with shot‑blocking and rebounding.
Honors and awards
- Iowa State all‑time leading scorer (women’s basketball) – 2023
- Big 12 Player of the Year – 2023
- First‑Team All‑Big 12 – 2022, 2023
- AP All‑America Honorable Mention – 2023
- Several school‑level awards, including team MVP recognitions.
Personal life
Details about Joens’ personal life, including family background and off‑court activities, are limited in publicly available encyclopedic records.
References
- Iowa State University Athletics, “Women’s Basketball Statistics & History.”
- Big 12 Conference, “2023 Women’s Basketball Awards.”
- WNBA, “2023 Draft Selections.”
Note: Information that is not corroborated by reliable sources—such as specific high‑school details, personal anecdotes, and post‑draft contractual status—has been omitted to maintain encyclopedic accuracy.