Iowa women's basketball team picks up 6-foot forward from Dominican Republic for 2025-26

IOWA CITY, Iowa (Iowa's News Now) — Emely Rodriguez, a transfer from the University of Central Florida, has officially signed a scholarship agreement with the University of Iowa women's basketball program.

The team made the announcement on Monday that the 6-foot forward from the Dominican Republic will bring her talents to the Hawkeyes with three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Rodriguez, who was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team during her time at UCF, is the fifth addition to the 2025-26 Hawkeye roster this summer. She joins Georgia Tech transfer Chazadi 'Chit-Chat' Wright and high school recruits Addie Deal, Layla Hayes, and Journey Houston.

"We are thrilled to add Emely to our team because she is a skilled, versatile and strong guard that can score on every level and has a great defensive presence," said Iowa Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jan Jensen.. "Her versatility will also give us increased depth and our fans will enjoy watching her skill set. We are so excited for her to be a Hawkeye."

During her freshman season at UCF, Rodriguez tallied 297 points, the second most on the team, despite missing five games due to injury. She posted her first career double-double against Montana State, with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Rodriguez also tied for third on the team in rebounds, averaging 5.3 per game, and recorded the highest free throw percentage at 75 percent. She averaged 11.9 points per game, scored in double figures 16 times, and was second on the team in steals with 36. Her career-high of 21 points came against Iowa State.