Legendary Iowa Women’s Basketball Coach Lisa Bluder Retires After 24 Years

After an illustrious 24-year tenure guiding the Iowa women’s basketball team, esteemed coach Lisa Bluder has announced her retirement, marking the end of a remarkable coaching career that spanned 40 seasons. Bluder, the winningest women’s basketball coach in Big Ten history, shared her decision on Monday, leaving behind a significant legacy at the university.

During her tenure, Bluder led the Hawkeyes to multiple successes, including national championship game appearances in the past two seasons. Her announcement, addressed to the devoted Hawkeye Nation, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and highlighted the talented players who have graced the program over the years.

Associate head coach Jan Jensen, a long-time assistant to Bluder, is set to fill the vacant head coaching position. Jensen, who has been a pivotal part of Iowa’s coaching staff, will be stepping up to lead the team after Bluder’s departure.

Bluder’s coaching journey began at St. Ambrose, where she boasted an impressive record of 169-36 in six seasons, before moving on to Drake, accumulating a record of 187-106. In 2000, she took the reins at Iowa, solidifying her status as one of the most successful coaches in the collegiate basketball realm.

Under Bluder’s guidance, the Hawkeyes excelled this past season, finishing with a remarkable 34-5 record. Star player Caitlin Clark, who was selected as the No. 1 pick in the recent WNBA draft, played a pivotal role in Iowa’s success, culminating in a national championship game appearance.

Clark, the all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball, paid tribute to Bluder’s leadership, emphasizing her unparalleled ability to build a cohesive team. With the Hawkeyes securing three consecutive Big Ten tournament titles, Bluder’s impact on the program is undeniable.

As Bluder embarks on this new chapter, reflecting on her journey and the future, she expressed her gratitude to the fans, administrators, and most importantly, her family, for their unwavering support throughout her coaching career.