Longtime Iowa women’s basketball head coach Lisa Bluder announced her retirement, with former Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark nearing her pro debut with the WNBA’s Indiana Fever. Bluder’s successor is her longtime assistant Jan Jensen, who will take over starting in the 2024-25 season. Bluder expressed gratitude to fans and reflected on her successful coaching career, including leading Iowa to five Big Ten Tournament championships and being named Big Ten Coach of the Year three times.
Bluder spent 24 years as Iowa’s head coach, compiling a career record of 716-359. Her retirement came after Iowa’s second consecutive national championship loss, this time to South Carolina. Clark, who is considered one of the best players in Bluder’s tenure, congratulated her former coach and praised her for her leadership and belief in her abilities. Clark expressed her appreciation for Bluder’s impact on her career and wished her well in retirement.
Jensen, who has been an associate head coach under Bluder for 20 years, will now take over as head coach of the Iowa women’s basketball team. She was also with Bluder during their time at Drake University. Jensen brings a wealth of experience and a successful playing career, having been an All-American at Drake and the highest-scoring player ever in six-on-six basketball at El Horn-Kimballton High School in Iowa. Jensen’s appointment was praised by Bluder, who expressed confidence in her ability to continue building on the foundation they had established together.
Bluder’s retirement came after personal reflection and time spent with her family, leading her to the decision that it was time to step aside from coaching. She expressed gratitude to her players, coaches, and fans for their support throughout her career. Bluder’s impact on Iowa women’s basketball was significant, and she was recognized as the Naismith College Coach of the Year in 2019. Her leadership and coaching style were lauded by her players and colleagues, highlighting her ability to build successful teams and mentor young athletes.
As Bluder moves into retirement, she expressed her commitment to supporting Jensen and her staff in their new roles. Bluder’s influence on Iowa women’s basketball will be long-lasting, and she leaves behind a legacy of success and integrity. Jensen, with her extensive experience and passion for the game, is poised to lead the program into a new era. The transition marks the end of an era for Iowa women’s basketball but also signals the beginning of a new chapter under Jensen’s leadership. Fans and supporters of the program can look forward to continued success and growth under Jensen’s guidance.
