Jan Jensen, who has been an assistant on Lisa Bluder’s coaching staff at Iowa for 24 years, has been named the new head coach of the Hawkeyes following Bluder’s retirement. Despite having had other head coaching opportunities, Jensen chose to stay at Iowa, and her loyalty has now been rewarded with the top job. Jensen takes over a program that has had significant success in recent years, including back-to-back appearances in the NCAA championship game and multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
With the departure of key players such as Caitlin Clark, who became Division I’s all-time leading scorer, and starters Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall, the Hawkeyes face a period of transition. However, Jensen remains committed to maintaining high expectations for the program and believes her players will rise to the challenge. She acknowledges the loss of star players but is confident in the abilities of the incoming players to step up and continue the program’s success.
Despite the changes to the roster, Jensen is optimistic about the future of Iowa women’s basketball and is eager to build on the program’s strong foundation. She is counting on the continued support of the fans, who have shown their dedication by selling out every home game last season, including NCAA tournament games. Jensen recognizes the impact that star players like Caitlin Clark had on drawing crowds, but she believes in the strength of the overall team and the culture they have created.
Iowa’s athletics director, Beth Goetz, expressed full confidence in Jensen’s ability to lead the program, citing her strong work ethic, passion, and leadership qualities. She believes that Jensen embodies the qualities needed to successfully guide the team through this transition and continue the program’s success. Jensen, who hails from Iowa and has deep roots in the state, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead the program and reflected on the incredible journey she has had in her coaching career.
The retirement of Lisa Bluder after 40 seasons at three different schools marks the end of an era in Iowa women’s basketball, but Jensen is ready to take on the challenge and lead the program into a new chapter. Bluder will continue to be involved with the program as an advisor, providing guidance and support to Jensen as she transitions into her new role. With a strong foundation in place and a commitment to excellence, Jensen is poised to continue the legacy of success that Bluder built during her tenure. The Iowa women’s basketball program is entering a new era under Jensen’s leadership, and the future looks bright for the Hawkeyes.
