Lisa Bluder, who guided the Iowa women’s basketball team to the NCAA championship game for the past two years, has announced her retirement after 24 years at the helm. Her longtime assistant, Jan Jensen, will take over as head coach. Bluder’s decision comes five weeks after Iowa lost to South Carolina in the national title game and star player Caitlin Clark finished her college career. In an open letter to fans, Bluder expressed gratitude for the past season and reflected on her time leading the program. After contemplating her future with her husband, Bluder decided it was time to step aside.
Bluder leaves Iowa as the all-time Big Ten coaching wins leader with a record of 528-254 at the program, including 65-12 in the past two years with Clark’s leadership. She had an overall record of 716-359, including her tenure at Drake University. The departure of Clark, who became the NCAA Division I career scoring leader and the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, marked the end of an era for Iowa women’s basketball. Jensen, who played her senior season at Drake under Bluder and spent 24 years as her assistant, expressed excitement to begin her first head coaching position and continue building on the program’s success.
Under Bluder’s leadership, Iowa women’s basketball achieved two shared Big Ten championships, five conference tournament titles, and made 18 NCAA Tournament appearances. The addition of Clark to the team raised the profile of the women’s game in the United States with her dynamic offensive skills. Despite falling short in the national championship games in 2023 and 2024, the Hawkeyes achieved significant success, with Clark’s impact being a key factor in their performance. Former players like Kate Martin, now with the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, expressed shock at Bluder’s retirement but also happiness for her well-deserved break.
Jensen’s appointment as head coach signifies the continuation of a successful era for the Iowa women’s basketball program. With her extensive experience as Bluder’s associate head coach and her deep roots in Iowa basketball, Jensen is well-positioned to lead the team forward. As she expressed gratitude for Bluder’s mentorship and friendship over the years, Jensen is eager to begin this new chapter in her coaching career. The transition from Bluder to Jensen marks a significant moment for the program, with fans looking forward to seeing how the team will evolve under new leadership.
Bluder’s impact on Iowa women’s basketball, both on and off the court, cannot be overstated. Her ability to build a team and create a winning culture has been admired by players, fans, and fellow coaches. Jensen’s close connection to Bluder and her shared history with the program make her an ideal candidate to continue the program’s success and uphold its traditions. The future of Iowa women’s basketball looks bright as Jensen takes the reins, building on the foundation established by Bluder and preparing the team for continued achievements in the years to come. The legacy of Lisa Bluder’s leadership will endure as the program transitions to a new era under Jan Jensen’s guidance.
