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In a heartfelt open letter to the Hawkeye Nation, Lisa Bluder, the revered head coach of theUniversity of Iowa women's basketball team, announced her retirement on Monday, marking the end of an illustrious 40-year coaching career, 24 of which were spent with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Bluder's retirement brings a close to a storied chapter in collegiate basketball, highlighted by her profound impact on the program and its players.
Bluder leaves behind a legacy of success, having accumulated 884 career wins, making her the 10th most winning coach in NCAA women's basketball history. Under her leadership, the Hawkeyes flourished, with Bluder earning numerous accolades including Naismith Coach of the Year in 2019, three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, and multiple regional coach of the year honors.
In her departure letter, Bluder expressed a mix of emotions as she reflected on her time at Iowa. "It has been the honor of my career to lead such a remarkable group of young women," she wrote. The decision to retire, she explained, came after personal contemplation and discussions with family, ultimately concluding that stepping down was in the best interest of both her and the program's future.
Jan Jensen appointed as new Head Coach of Iowa Hawkeyes
Succeeding Bluder will be Jan Jensen, a familiar face in Iowa basketball who has served as associate head coach under Bluder for the last 20 years. Jensen, with over 30 years of coaching experience, is set to become the program's sixth head coach. The University's Director of Athletics, Beth Goetz, expressed her confidence in Jensen's ability to carry on the legacy, noting her extensive experience and deep understanding of the team's culture and expectations.
The announcement was met with an outpouring of and gratitude from the university, fans, and the broader sports community. Director Goetz acknowledged Bluder's monumental contributions, stating, "Lisa has left an indelible mark on this program, touched countless lives, and brought joy to all who know and love the Hawkeyes."
As Bluder transitions to her new role as the program's biggest champion, she leaves a solid foundation that ensures the continuation of success for Iowa women's basketball. Her retirement, while bittersweet, opens a new chapter for both her and the Hawkeyes, as they look to the future with hope and unwavering spirit.