Former Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball guard Teagan Mallegni has officially committed to the Wisconsin Badgers. This move follows her entry into the NCAA transfer portal earlier this month, signaling a significant shift in her collegiate career. Mallegni, a rising junior, will join her former Iowa teammate, Addie Deal, who also transferred to Madison this offseason, strengthening the Badgers' roster with familiar talent. This decision allows Mallegni to pursue a more substantial role on the court while also bringing her closer to her roots in McFarland, Wisconsin.
Mallegni's time with the Iowa Hawkeyes was marked by a challenging sophomore season, where an early-season injury and a subsequent drop in the depth chart limited her playing opportunities. Despite showing promise, her contributions were primarily as a reserve. Last season, she appeared in 15 games, averaging 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds, with a field goal percentage of 24.2% and a 3-point percentage of 15%. Over her two seasons at Iowa, Mallegni participated in 45 games, recording career averages of 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds, shooting 31.8% from the field and 20.8% from beyond the arc.
Throughout her tenure at Iowa City, Mallegni accumulated 119 points, 83 rebounds, 25 assists, 14 steals, and 8 blocks. Her move to the Wisconsin Badgers presents a fresh start and an opportunity to maximize her potential in a new environment. Being from McFarland, Wisconsin, a mere nine miles from Madison, her decision is not only a strategic career move but also a personal one, allowing her to be closer to her family and hometown support system. This proximity could provide an added boost as she looks to make a greater impact on the court for the Badgers.
This transfer underscores the dynamic nature of collegiate sports, where athletes often seek optimal environments for growth and playing time. Mallegni's transition to Wisconsin highlights her determination to elevate her game and contribute significantly to a program. Her reunion with Addie Deal also suggests a potential synergy that could benefit the Badgers in the upcoming seasons.