Kylie Feuerbach: Rising Star of Iowa Women’s Basketball and Beyond

In the landscape of college athletics, a few names stand out for their determination, resilience, and impact on and off the court. Kylie Feuerbach is one such name. Known as a talented guard for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, she has established herself not only as an exceptional athlete but also as a dedicated student and leader. From her early beginnings in Illinois to representing one of the most competitive programs in NCAA Division I women’s basketball, Kylie’s journey reflects hard work, family values, and academic excellence.
This article explores her background, parents, education, career highlights, and personal life. Whether you know her for her basketball achievements or her leadership roles, Kylie Feuerbach’s story is one of balance between sports and academics.
Early Life and Family
Kylie Feuerbach’s Parents
Kylie was born on May 21, 2001, in Chicago, Illinois, to her parents, Steve and Lisa Feuerbach. Both parents are Iowa State University alumni and instilled in her the importance of discipline and commitment. Their support has been a driving force in her life, from youth basketball tournaments to NCAA-level games.
Siblings and Family Bond
She grew up in a large and supportive household alongside her siblings — brothers Nick and Isaiah, and sisters Alyssa and Faith. The strong family bond created a foundation of encouragement and healthy competition. Having siblings with different interests and talents helped Kylie develop resilience, teamwork, and leadership from an early age.
Education
High School Foundation
Kylie attended Sycamore High School in Illinois from 2016 to 2020. She made her mark on the basketball court as a high school star, scoring over 2,000 points in her career while averaging nearly 20 points per game. Her strong academic performance went hand in hand with her athletic achievements, showing her ability to balance both worlds.
College Journey
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Iowa State University (2020–2021): Kylie began her college education and basketball career at Iowa State. She gained valuable experience as a freshman guard, appearing in nearly every game during her first season.
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University of Iowa (2021–2024): She later transferred to the University of Iowa, where she completed her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing at the Tippie College of Business.
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Master’s Degree in Strategic Communication (2024–2025): Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s degree at the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication, demonstrating her ambition beyond athletics.
Kylie’s educational path highlights her focus on both her career in sports and her professional development for the future.
Basketball Career
Iowa State University
At Iowa State, Kylie played the 2020–21 season, making an immediate impact as a freshman. She averaged solid numbers while gaining experience in the competitive Big 12 Conference. Her decision to transfer came after her freshman year, opening a new chapter with the Hawkeyes.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Since transferring to Iowa in 2021, Kylie has been a reliable contributor for the Hawkeyes. As a guard, her versatility on both ends of the court has made her a valuable asset. She appeared in the 2022, 2023, and 2024 NCAA March Madness tournaments and contributed to Iowa’s Big Ten Regular Season Championship (2022) and Big Ten Conference Tournament Championships (2022, 2023, 2024).
Even after overcoming an ACL injury that sidelined her during the 2022–23 season, Kylie returned stronger, showcasing resilience and determination. Her defensive intensity, shooting ability, and leadership are central to the Hawkeyes’ success.
Leadership and Organizations
University of Iowa Women’s Basketball
As a Division I athlete, Kylie commits six days a week to team practices, dedicating hours daily to training and skill development. Her discipline has shaped her into a dependable leader on the team.
HERKYS Involvement
Kylie was also a member of HERKYS, a program designed to empower female athletes. Through this role, she contributed to discussions on equality, leadership, and creating opportunities for women in sports.
ISAAC Representation
As an ISAAC representative from 2022 to 2023, Kylie served as a voice for Iowa women’s basketball within the athletic department. She participated in meetings, community events, and social initiatives, further strengthening her role as a leader beyond the court.
Personal Life
Age and Height
As of 2025, Kylie Feuerbach is 24 years old. She stands at 6 feet (1.83 meters), a height that gives her an advantage as a guard in women’s basketball.
Relationship and Boyfriend
Kylie is not married, but she is in a relationship with John Poulakidas, a standout college basketball player for Yale. Their relationship has been publicly recognized since 2022, and the pair share a mutual passion for basketball and academics.
Impact and Future
Kylie Feuerbach’s story is more than just statistics on a basketball court. It is a story of resilience, balance, and leadership. Her ability to rebound from an injury, excel academically, and represent her university with pride speaks volumes about her character.
With one more year of NCAA eligibility, she is expected to continue making an impact for Iowa, both on and off the court. Beyond athletics, her background in marketing and strategic communication will open doors for her future career, whether in sports media, business, or leadership roles.
Conclusion
Kylie Feuerbach embodies the modern student-athlete: talented, educated, resilient, and driven. From her supportive parents, Steve and Lisa, to her strong academic path and her contributions at both Iowa State and Iowa, she has consistently proven herself as a standout figure.
At just 24 years old, she has already achieved what many strive for — excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership. With her education in marketing and communication and her relentless dedication to basketball, Kylie’s future is as promising as her past has been inspiring.
Her journey reminds us that true success comes from balance, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges. Whether on the court leading the Hawkeyes or off the court pursuing her Master’s degree, Kylie Feuerbach continues to inspire fans, teammates, and future generations of athletes.