Iowa State women's basketball held its annual media day on October 14, 2026, at the Sukup Basketball Complex in Ames, where the program introduced Xiao "Smyle" Zhang to local and national media. The event provided the first official look at the Cyclones' roster ahead of the upcoming season.
Zhang, known by the nickname "Smyle," posed for team photographs during the session, which was captured by USA TODAY Network via Reuters. The media day serves as a traditional preseason checkpoint for the program, allowing coaches and players to discuss expectations and preparations for the campaign ahead.
