An opportunity to hire one of the most recognizable names in Iowa girls’ high school basketball history was a slam dunk for Ankeny Activities Director Mike Bakker.
Former Iowa City High and Iowa State star Ashley Joens was named on Monday to become the head coach of the Ankeny girls’ basketball program. She will replace Nate Tobey, who resigned from the position after guiding the Hawkettes to the semifinals of the Class 5A state tournament last month.
“We are really excited to bring Ashley on as the head girls’ basketball coach,” said Bakker. “Her experiences as a high school player, college athlete, and her time playing professionally give her a unique perspective on what basketball is all about. She wants to be a teacher and impact young lives. Ultimately, her desire to develop student-athletes beyond the court has me most excited about Ashley’s hiring.”
Joens, who is currently teaching sixth grade math as a long-term sub in Iowa City, said she had her eyes on the Ankeny school district before the coaching position even opened up.
“Before I decided to start applying for jobs, I wrote down the districts that I’d like to work in and Ankeny was one that was at the top of the my list,” said Joens. “When that opened up, I was super excited about this opportunity. And once I met the Athletic Director and some of the players, I was even more excited. Obviously, they have a great school and a great culture of girls’ basketball history there. I’m really excited to step in and be a part of it.”
Joens scored 2,178 points during her prep career at Iowa City High, which ranks 13th in state history. She then went on to become a two-time all-American at Iowa State, where she poured in a school-record 3,060 points.
Joens was a three-time winner of the Cheryl Miller award, given annually to the nation’s top small forward. She was the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year in 2022-23.
After being selected with the No. 19 pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings, Joens went on to play for three WNBA teams and won a championship with the Las Vegas Aces. She was recently inducted into the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union Basketball Hall of Fame.
Joens also played professionally in Italy, New Zealand, Greece and France before deciding to hang up her jersey.
“I was overseas for awhile and just missed being around people–like my family and friends–who spoke English,” Joens said. “Sometimes it was tough. I just felt like I was ready to be done (playing) and go in this direction and get into some coaching.”
Joens said she first thought about becoming a coach as she was blossoming into a star on the court.
“Growing up I always enjoyed getting to work with kids at camps,” she said. “I kind of had a feeling I would eventually end up at this point. We finally made it, and I’m excited for it.”
Joens played at Iowa City High under coach Bill McTaggart. She was then recruited to Iowa State by Bill Fennelly, the winningest coach in Big 12 history.
Joens said she learned a lot from both of those coaches.
“I’ve seen different styles of play and different coaching methods that work and what doesn’t work,” she said. “Just getting to know the players and understanding what works best for them and our team to be successful will come from my experience playing.”
Tobey led Ankeny to a 16-9 record in his third and final season. It was the Hawkettes’ most successful campaign since the split into two high schools.
However, five of the top six players from that team will graduate next month, including all-stater Jayla Williams.
“I got to meet some of the returning players during the interview process,” Joens said. “They seemed energetic and excited and ready to step into a bigger role next year. I can’t wait to get started.”