{"id":110398,"date":"2025-08-26T04:02:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T04:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/110398\/"},"modified":"2025-08-26T04:02:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T04:02:10","slug":"one-element-of-cara-consuegras-regime-gives-2026-target-high-hopes-despite-not-being-pursued-since-staff-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/110398\/","title":{"rendered":"One Element of Cara Consuegra\u2019s Regime Gives 2026 Target High Hopes Despite Not Being Pursued Since Staff Change"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cara Consuegra\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The program\u2019s long-term ambitions, tied to recruits such as Lower, point to the importance of stability and renewed focus. Under Consuegra\u2019s leadership, Marquette must regain momentum to align with the higher expectations connected to targets like the 2026 prospect.<\/p>\n

Cara Consuegra\u2019s Approach Offers 2026 Prospect Hope Amid Recruiting Shift<\/p>\n

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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Lower explained that her decision will be guided by trust, development, and culture:<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the relationship piece is really important for me,\u201d she said. \u201cI need to have a coaching staff that I can trust, especially if I\u2019m going to go away from home. Just that good culture, and also player development is huge for me\u2026I also need a coaching staff that can utilize my unique skill set.\u201d<\/p>\n

Highly-recruited 2026 prospect Averie Lower has set three official visits after taking her first to Illinois State, she told @Rivals<\/a>.<\/p>\n

She broke down each program with @Rivals<\/a>.<\/p>\n

READ (+): https:\/\/t.co\/q1TF5Q17GK<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/SB8FKBpd8X<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) August 24, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI actually got recruited by Marquette\u2019s previous coaching staff, so I went on an unofficial there already, but I haven\u2019t taken any visits with this new coaching staff. I\u2019m really excited for this opportunity. I think that it says a lot that when Coach [Cara Consuegra] came in that next season, I don\u2019t 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\u2019s really cool to see,\u201d Lower said.<\/p>\n

Illinois State, which has recruited her the longest, has made an impression.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve been recruiting me since I was in probably ninth grade, or even before that,\u201d Lower said. \u201cThey\u2019ve watched me play on both my club teams and they\u2019ve 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\u2019ve really gotten to know their coaching staff, and I love their coaching staff. It\u2019s very much like a family feeling. That\u2019s something that I\u2019m looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n

Arizona State is still building its connection with Lower, but head coach Molly Miller\u2019s energy has caught her attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we\u2019re still building a relationship and I\u2019m still getting to know them, but it\u2019s really exciting to hear Coach Miller\u2019s plans on where she\u2019s going to take the program. She has super high energy, which I love. I can tell she\u2019s really into developing her players.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a junior<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

She plays with North Tartan 17U EYBL and was a key figure in Clear Creek-Amana\u2019s Class 4A state championship run. She also contributed to a Nike National 16U team that finished as runner-up.<\/p>\n