Longtime Iowa women’s basketball assistant coach Jenni Fitzgerald announced her retirement after 24 years with the Hawkeyes program. She served as an associate head coach for four years, an assistant coach for 20 seasons, and an advisor for four seasons. Fitzgerald also worked with former head coach Lisa Bluder and current Iowa head coach Jan Jensen at Drake, totaling 32 seasons with Bluder’s staffs. Together, they led Iowa to 18 NCAA Tournaments, five Sweet 16s, three Elite Eights, two Final Fours, and two national championship game appearances, along with five Big Ten Tournament championships and two Big Ten regular season championships.
Fitzgerald expressed gratitude for her time with the Hawkeyes, stating that retiring is bittersweet but she is thankful for the memories and friendships she made during her tenure. She worked primarily with Iowa’s guards, coaching 17 players to a total of 37 all-Big Ten honors, including 15 first-team All-Big Ten selections. Eight guards coached by Fitzgerald went on to play in the WNBA, including notable names such as Cara Consuegra, Lindsey Meder, and Sam Logic. Fitzgerald herself was a standout player at Drake, where she was a starting point guard, three-year captain, and a first-team all-conference selection as a senior.
A graduate of Drake in 1991, Fitzgerald was named Miss Iowa Basketball and the state’s Female Athlete of the Year in 1986 while attending North Scott High School. In 1995, she was inducted into the Iowa Girls Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the sport in the state. Throughout her career, Fitzgerald has been a key figure in the success of the Iowa women’s basketball program, helping to shape and develop numerous players who went on to achieve great success both in college and professionally. Her impact on the Hawkeyes’ program will be remembered and celebrated by fans and players alike.
Fitzgerald’s departure marks a significant change for the Iowa women’s basketball coaching staff, as they will now be without her guidance and expertise moving forward. Her retirement offers an opportunity for new voices and perspectives to enter the program, bringing fresh energy and ideas to the team. The legacy of Fitzgerald’s tenure with the Hawkeyes will continue to be felt through the players she coached, the games she influenced, and the relationships she built throughout her time with the program. As the offseason of change unfolds in Iowa City, the women’s basketball team will look to build on the foundation laid by Fitzgerald and her colleagues, aiming for continued success on and off the court.
As the news of Fitzgerald’s retirement spreads, fans and colleagues alike will reflect on her impact and contributions to the Iowa women’s basketball program. Her dedication, leadership, and mentorship have left a lasting impression on the players she coached and the staff she worked alongside. Moving forward, the program will transition to a new era without Fitzgerald at the helm, creating both challenges and opportunities for growth and development. The Hawkeyes will undoubtedly carry forward the lessons and values instilled by Fitzgerald, building on the strong foundation she helped to establish over her 24 years with the program.
