Hannah Stuelke, a standout collegiate basketball player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, credits much of her success to the strong basketball influence from her parents, Mario Davis and JoAnna Mantz.
Mario Davis: A Basketball Legacy from Antigua and Barbuda
Mario Davis, originally from Antigua and Barbuda, sparked Hannah’s interest in basketball early on. He played for Princess Margaret Secondary School before moving to the United States to join Missouri Western State University’s basketball team, the Griffons, competing in Division II. Mario also represented his home country on the national basketball team until 2018 and continued playing in local leagues until 2023. His passion for the sport remains evident, as he actively supports and comments on Hannah’s performances.
JoAnna Mantz: College Basketball and Beyond
JoAnna Stuelke Mantz, Hannah’s mother, has her own basketball pedigree, having played for Illinois State and later Missouri Western. Beyond the court, JoAnna serves as the Children’s Ministry Director at River of Life Church, where she combines her interests in faith, sewing, and crafting to engage with youth.
Their Journey and Impact on Hannah
The couple met through basketball at Missouri Western in the early 2000s. Their union resulted in Hannah’s birth in 2004. Although Mario and JoAnna separated shortly after, both have remained influential in her life. JoAnna remarried Michael Mantz, who, alongside JoAnna, actively supports Hannah’s basketball career, traveling to her games nationwide. Mario has also built a family with his new partner.
Hannah’s Rise Fueled by Family Support
Introduced to basketball by Mario, Hannah excelled from a young age, setting scoring records at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She earned accolades including Iowa Miss Basketball 2022 and quickly made an impact at the University of Iowa, securing Big Ten honors and notable weekly awards. Her sharp shooting and rebounding skills reflect the combined influence of her parents’ basketball heritage and support system.
