Cara Consuegra’s direction at Marquette University offers a measured outlook for future recruiting classes. Among those still drawing attention is 2026 standout Averie Lower, a highly sought-after prospect. She has already arranged multiple official visits, signaling a strong interest from other programs.

The program’s long-term ambitions, tied to recruits such as Lower, point to the importance of stability and renewed focus. Under Consuegra’s leadership, Marquette must regain momentum to align with the higher expectations connected to targets like the 2026 prospect.

Cara Consuegra’s Approach Offers 2026 Prospect Hope Amid Recruiting Shift

Lower, a 5-foot-11 guard from Tiffin (Iowa) Clear Creek-Amana, remains one of the more sought-after recruits in the 2026 class. Lower told Rivals that her recruitment is still open, and she has mapped out several official visits in the coming weeks. She recently toured Illinois State and has trips scheduled to Arizona State from August 27-29, Marquette from September 3-5, and Missouri from September 17-19.

Lower explained that her decision will be guided by trust, development, and culture:

“I think the relationship piece is really important for me,” she said. “I need to have a coaching staff that I can trust, especially if I’m going to go away from home. Just that good culture, and also player development is huge for me…I also need a coaching staff that can utilize my unique skill set.”

Highly-recruited 2026 prospect Averie Lower has set three official visits after taking her first to Illinois State, she told @Rivals.

She broke down each program with @Rivals.

READ (+): https://t.co/q1TF5Q17GK pic.twitter.com/SB8FKBpd8X

— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) August 24, 2025

Several schools stand out in her process. Marquette presents a different angle, as Lower had previous ties with the program under the old staff:

“I actually got recruited by Marquette’s previous coaching staff, so I went on an unofficial there already, but I haven’t taken any visits with this new coaching staff. I’m really excited for this opportunity. I think that it says a lot that when Coach [Cara Consuegra] came in that next season, I don’t think there were any girls that went into the portal. It seems like the players are buying into her vision, and I think that that’s really cool to see,” Lower said.

Illinois State, which has recruited her the longest, has made an impression.

“They’ve been recruiting me since I was in probably ninth grade, or even before that,” Lower said. “They’ve watched me play on both my club teams and they’ve seen me play in high school, so I think they have a very clear understanding of my capabilities beyond being just a 3-point shooter. I’ve really gotten to know their coaching staff, and I love their coaching staff. It’s very much like a family feeling. That’s something that I’m looking for.”

Arizona State is still building its connection with Lower, but head coach Molly Miller’s energy has caught her attention.

“So we’re still building a relationship and I’m still getting to know them, but it’s really exciting to hear Coach Miller’s plans on where she’s going to take the program. She has super high energy, which I love. I can tell she’s really into developing her players.”

As a junior, she averaged 22.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block per game while shooting 48 percent from the field and 42 percent from beyond the arc.

She plays with North Tartan 17U EYBL and was a key figure in Clear Creek-Amana’s Class 4A state championship run. She also contributed to a Nike National 16U team that finished as runner-up.