Tag: Iowa women’s basketball

Iowa women’s basketball assistant coach Jenni Fitzgerald announces retirement

All the best, coach Jenni Fitzgerald.

The offseason of change continues in Iowa City.

Longtime Iowa women’s basketball assistant coach Jenni Fitzgerald announced that she is retiring after 24 years with the Hawkeyes’ program. During her run with the Hawkeyes, Fitzgerald served four years as an associate head coach, 20 seasons as an assistant coach, and four seasons as an advisor.

Fitzgerald also worked with former Hawkeye head coach Lisa Bluder and new Iowa head coach Jan Jensen at Drake. In all, she spent 32 seasons as a member of Bluder’s respective staffs.

Alongside Bluder and Jensen, Fitzgerald helped direct Iowa to 18 NCAA Tournaments, five Sweet 16s, three Elite Eights, two Final Fours and a pair of national championship game appearances.

The Hawkeyes also won five Big Ten Tournament championships, including each of the past three. Iowa also won two Big Ten regular season championships.

“It’s been a privilege to be a part of the Hawkeye family for the past 24 years. Lisa, Jan and I had big dreams of filling arenas and hoisting trophies when we first stepped on to campus. Because of the women that came through our program and our Hawkeye community, those dreams became our reality.

“Retiring is bittersweet, but I know I’m one of the few people that can say they had the honor of working alongside their best friends for 32 years. I’m forever grateful for all the memories I’ve made and the people I’ve met along the way,” Fitzgerald said in a statement.

Primarily responsible for Iowa’s guards, Fitzgerald coached 17 players to a total of 37 all-Big Ten honors, including 15 first-team All-Big Ten selections. Fitzgerald coached eight Hawkeye guards that made the WNBA.

That list includes Cara Consuegra, Lindsey Meder, Crystal Smith, Kachine Alexander, Sam Logic, Kathleen Doyle, Kate Martin and Caitlin Clark.

Fitzgerald was a 1991 graduate of Drake where she was a starting point guard, a three-year captain and a first-team all-conference selection as a senior.

She was named Miss Iowa Basketball and the state’s Female Athlete of the Year in 1986 at North Scott High School. In 1995, Fitzgerald was inducted into the Iowa Girls Basketball Hall of Fame.

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5-star 2025 commit Addie Deal reaffirms her commitment to Iowa women’s basketball

Addie Deal is sticking with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The good news keeps rolling in for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

After ballyhooed Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen reaffirmed her commitment to Iowa women’s basketball, five-star class of 2025 guard Addie Deal has done the same.

Deal, a 6-foot guard out of Mater Dei High School in California, is the No. 12 player in the 2025 class according to ESPN.

One of the prized commits of the Hawkeyes’ 2025 class so far, Deal made sure the world knows she’s sticking by Iowa and new head coach Jan Jensen.

“Congrats Coach!! Still locked in and committed,” Deal wrote on X.

Deal’s commitment to Iowa had Hawkeye fans celebrating in March. The talented Cali guard joined in-state talent and four-star Davenport North guard Journey Houston in the Hawkeyes’ 2025 class.

That duo is part of an impressive reload for Iowa’s women’s basketball future. With Deal sticking around, that should help coach Jensen and her staff continue to successfully recruit and add some of the nation’s top talent.

Iowa women’s basketball’s popularity and attendance is at an all-time high and the Hawkeyes look to continue to build off the momentum that stars like Caitlin Clark, Monika Czinano and Kate Martin helped create.

“Then the last couple of years we just change the game. It has been a ride. I cannot tell you how I just am in awe of our fan base. You guys have backed us, and the way you’ve reached out to me taking over the reins, it’s just not like that. It’s not like that everywhere. As Beth said, it’s seamless, and in that way, it really is.

“There’s been a big change, but most everything has remained the same, and that is that culture that Iowa has and Iowa is,” Jensen said on Wednesday as she was introduced as Iowa women’s basketball’s sixth head coach.

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Beth Goetz comments on hiring of new head Iowa women’s basketball coach Jan Jensen

Beth Goetz said Jan Jensen provides a “seamless passing of the baton.”

Wednesday was a special day to be a Hawkeye fan.

Iowa has a new head women’s basketball coach. Jan Jensen, 55, takes over the reins for the Hawkeyes.

Jensen shared her initial thoughts on taking over as the head coach after spending the past 24 seasons as an assistant and associate head coach.

Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz shared her thoughts on Jensen as she officially introduced her in a press conference on Wednesday.

Here’s what Goetz had to say about Jensen.

This is a seamless passing of the baton. The definition of a true teammate is someone who embraces their role, commits to honing their craft with the sole expectation to serve those around them and make the team better. Jan Jensen has learned from the best, positioned the program for unprecedented achievements, and has been an integral component over the past decades in making Iowa one of the most successful college women’s basketball programs in the country.

Jan’s journey has been entangled with the story of women’s basketball in the state of Iowa for as long as most can remember. It was in her genes as her grandmother played six on six in the 1920s. I think I’m getting this right, Coach, was nicknamed “Lottie” for scoring lots of points. Jan carried on that tradition with her name still etched in Iowa high school record books. She then went on to become the nation’s leading scorer, averaging 29.7 points per game and became an All-American at Drake University.

Her coaching career began after spending a year playing professionally in Germany, and she has never looked back. A presence on the court and off, known equally for the impact she makes on the game and for the authenticity and kindness she shares with all she meets, making them feel like lifelong friends.

A relationship builder, a relentless recruiter, a post whisperer, always ready for coffee and a conversation with an athlete, a champion on someone’s most difficult day and on their best. She has always been leading, always been mapping a path for success for your Hawkeyes.

She embodies the culture of Iowa women’s basketball that our loyal fans have come to know and love and will lead this new era of the program during a new era of college athletics with creativity, grit, passion and commitment needed to build champions on and off the court.

A head coach must have a deep understanding of the game, be a teacher at heart, understand how to build culture and inspire belief. They must be a role model, a motivator, and have an unrelenting competitive drive to be the best and bring out the best in all who touch their program.

Jan models daily what it means have a tireless work ethic, to lead with compassion and fiery passion and to be confident in who you are and how to go about chasing your dreams. Everything we needed in the next leader of this storied program was right here.

Under Jan’s leadership, you will continue to see a team that plays with heart, with unmatched toughness, and plays an exciting brand of basketball. We have a coach who welcomes high expectations, has an energy that inspires all those around her, and a contagious enthusiasm that will continue to flame the passion of her team and our fans across the state and beyond.

You’ve been all in here with us, and we are all in with you. How amazing is it when the easy choice is the right choice, and in Caitlin Clark’s words, the only choice.

It’s now my pleasure to officially welcome and introduce the University of Iowa P. Sue Beckwith Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Jan Jensen. – Iowa athletic director, Beth Goetz.

Jensen is certainly accomplished. Known like Goetz said as a “post whisperer” and as a sensational recruiter, Jensen was a part of the full duration of the Lisa Bluder era.

That featured Iowa advancing to 18 NCAA Tournaments, five Big Ten Tournament titles, a pair of Big Ten regular season championships, five Sweet 16 appearances, three Elite Eights and each of the past two Final Fours and national championship games.

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Lisa Bluder shares her one retirement regret

Lisa Bluder has one regret in retirement.

Former Iowa head women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder departs as the winningest coach in Big Ten and Hawkeye history.

Under Bluder’s watch, the Hawkeyes compiled a 528-254 (262-145 Big Ten) record. Iowa advanced to each of the past two Final Fours and national championship games.

The Hawkeyes also made five Sweet 16s, three Elite Eights and 18 NCAA Tournaments overall with Bluder directing the program.

Bluder was a three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year recipient and was named the 2019 Naismith Coach of the Year.

Some might naturally think Bluder’s biggest regret was not capturing either of the past two national championship games against LSU or South Carolina, respectively. But, Bluder shared a different response as she reflected on what led to her retirement and what’s next in her life with the Des Moines Register’s Chad Leistikow.

Bluder recounted a conversation she had with her daughter, Hannah, on Tuesday while walking to Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

“I said, ‘I wish I had known that Ohio State was our last regular-season game. And I wish I would have known that West Virginia was our last (home) game.’ She couldn’t understand why. But to imprint that in your memory a little bit more, I wish I would have known,” Bluder said.

That really puts into perspective how rapidly all of this developed for Bluder, new head coach Jan Jensen and the Hawkeye women’s basketball program.

Bluder didn’t know what the near future would bring during those moments, and, looking back, she wishes that she did and could have soaked it all in just a little bit more.

Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

A recent vacation to Phoenix with her husband, Dave, is when Bluder reached the conclusion that she would step away.

“Why now? Why not? It’s an opportunity for Dave and I to travel while we’re still healthy. My son (David Jr.) is going to be a senior at Grinnell College next year, and I’ll get to see all of his games. I missed so many of my kids’ things, and it’s time for me to be able to give to them fully. It’s a good time to go out, quite honestly,” Bluder said Tuesday night at the Hilton Garden Inn in West Des Moines, site of a well-attended Polk County I-Club event.

As Bluder noted, the coaching grind is real with minimal down time.

“It’s a time-consuming job. It’s nice to be able to breathe a little bit right now and not jump right back into workouts that’ll be starting in a month,” Bluder said.

Here’s to a happy, healthy retirement for coach Bluder.

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Lucy Olsen confirms commitment to Iowa women’s basketball, Jan Jensen

Lucy Olsen isn’t going anywhere.

Things have seen quite the shake up for the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team. While there was Lisa Bluder announcing her retirement and Jan Jensen being named the new head coach, there was also a focus on checking in with the roster and recruits.

One of the most high-profile transfers this offseason was former Villanova guard Lucy Olsen committing to the Iowa Hawkeyes. She is a pure scorer at guard and plugs into the starting lineup for Iowa.

While there is always some sense of worry about losing recruits or roster pieces after a coaching change, David Eickholt of Hawkeye Insider reported that Lucy Olsen has confirmed her commitment to the Hawkeyes.

Olsen may have needed to reassess her future with Iowa after the coaching change, but she reportedly thought it through and wants to become a Hawkeye.

This is an example of something Jan Jensen brings to this program as the newly named head coach. Jensen has always been a vibrant personality that gets to players. She is a high-level recruiter and has players that want to play for her.

Jensen’s next task is to keep Iowa’s recruiting classes together with Lisa Bluder stepping away. Taking advantage of Iowa’s deep, experienced, and talented roster in the upcoming season gives her a great opportunity to showcase that this program isn’t going anywhere.

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A look at the legendary career of Iowa Hawkeyes’ Lisa Bluder

Legendary may not be enough to describe Lisa Bluder’s career. A look at her Iowa career in pictures.

Legendary. All-time great. Even better person.

All can be used to describe Lisa Bluder. The legendary coach has announced her retirement and that she will be stepping away from coaching the Iowa Hawkeyes. Her career will go down in history among the game’s most storied names and won’t soon be forgotten in Iowa City.

Bluder carries an all-time head coaching record of 884-396 between St. Ambrose University, Drake University, and the University of Iowa. She was the 2019 Naismith College Coach of the Year, and has transformed Iowa into a national player in women’s college basketball.

Bluder leaves a legacy at Iowa that includes 18 NCAA Tournament appearances, five trips to the Sweet 16, five Big Ten Tournament championships, two Final Fours, two national championship game appearances, and is standing alone at the top of the mountain as Iowa’s all-time winningest head coach.

As Iowa ushers in the Jan Jensen era, take a look at some of the best photos of Lisa Bluder leading the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Caitlin Clark reacts to Iowa women’s basketball head coaching hire

Caitlin Clark approves.

The Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team underwent a seismic change on Monday. Legendary Iowa head women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder announced her retirement.

Naturally, that surprising news made waves among Iowa fans and the entire sports world.

The move came as a shock to many and promises to transform the women’s college basketball landscape. Bluder is among the legends of the game with the all-time pedigree she has put together at the University of Iowa.

The Hawkeyes clearly had a plan in place, however. The university immediately announced Jan Jensen, the former associate head coach, was assuming the head coaching position.

The move prompted wide-spread reactions, including from Iowa legend Caitlin Clark. She took to X to provide her unwavering support for Jensen.

“The only option there ever was! You deserve this more than anyone. Can’t wait to watch you lead this program,” Clark wrote on X.

Coach Jensen has been around coach Bluder for a long time. Jensen played for Bluder for one season at Drake when Bluder was hired. Jensen became the leading scorer in Division I that season, averaging 29.6 points per game.

Following her playing career, Jensen began her coaching career by joining Bluder at Drake in 1993. She proceeded to follow Bluder to Iowa in 2000 when the pair took over the program.

Jensen takes over the reins after assisting Iowa for the duration of Bluder’s tenure. A native of Kimballton, Iowa, Jensen will enter her 25th year as a Hawkeye coach during the 2024-25 women’s college basketball season.

Jensen helped guide Iowa to 22 postseason appearances, including 18 NCAA Tournaments. She has been a part of leading Iowa to five Big Ten Tournament titles, including the past three.

Jensen has also led Iowa to a pair of Big Ten regular season championships, back-to-back Final Four and national championship games (2023, 2024), three Elite Eight trips (2019, 2023, 2024) and to five Sweet 16 appearances (2015, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024).

While at Iowa, Jensen was named the WBCA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2023.

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Jan Jensen named next head Iowa women’s basketball coach

There’s a new Head Hawkeye. Congrats, coach Jan Jensen!

Iowa fans, alumni and players didn’t have to wait long to find out who their next head women’s basketball coach would be.

Less than 20 minutes after legendary head Iowa women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder announced her retirement, associate head coach Jan Jensen was named the Hawkeyes’ next head coach.

Jensen takes over the reins after serving as an assistant at Iowa for the duration of Bluder’s tenure. A native of Kimballton, Iowa, Jensen will enter her 25th year as a Hawkeye coach during the 2024-25 women’s college basketball season.

Known for her work as a tireless recruiter and as one of the top post coaches in women’s college basketball, Jensen has been well respected in coaching circles and beloved by her players for a long time.

“I have been so blessed to have enjoyed an incredible ride with Lisa. That ride started when I was her player and continued for 33 years as I had the privilege to work alongside of her. I can’t thank Lisa enough for her mentorship, leadership and most of all her friendship. I am so proud of all we accomplished and grateful for all the memories we created.

“I am now beyond elated to begin my new role and want to thank President Wilson and Beth (Goetz) for the opportunity to lead this program. I truly love The University of Iowa and I am profoundly honored and excited to continue building on our success. The support we have in every realm from our administration, donors, alumni and fans is unmatched and I am so proud to be a part of this special university,” Jensen said in the University of Iowa’s press release.

Jensen has helped guide Iowa to 22 postseason appearances, including 18 NCAA Tournaments. She has been a part of leading Iowa to five Big Ten Tournament titles, including the past three.

Jensen has also led Iowa to a pair of Big Ten regular-season championships, back-to-back Final Four and national championship games (2023, 2024), three Elite Eight trips (2019, 2023, 2024) and five Sweet 16 appearances (2015, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024).

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Iowa WBB head coach Lisa Bluder retires, won’t face USC next season

Lisa Bluder won’t face Lindsay Gottlieb when Iowa meets USC in 2025 Big Ten women’s basketball.

The USC women’s basketball team moves into the Big Ten Conference next season. The Iowa Hawkeyes are one of the top contenders for USC in the new-look Big Ten. Their head coach won’t face the Trojans in 2025. Lisa Bluder, who guided Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes to consecutive national championship games, announced her retirement.

Hawkeyes Wire has more:

“Iowa head women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder announced on Monday that she is retiring after 24 seasons guiding the Hawkeye program. Bluder exits the helm in Iowa City with the Iowa program in the best position in its history.

“Alongside superstar guard Caitlin Clark and a talented cast of players, Iowa made back-to-back trips to the Final Four and national championship game. The Hawkeyes won 30-plus games in each of the past two seasons, captured the Big Ten regular season championship during the 2021-22 season and have won each of the past three Big Ten Tournaments.”

It is fascinating to see Iowa, a program at the height of its powers, endure a coaching change all while USC and UCLA bring formidable teams into the Big Ten. Next season won’t be dull in the Big Ten, we can guarantee that much.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire. Follow our newest sites, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire.

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Caitlin Clark shared a heartfelt tribute for Lisa Bluder after her Iowa retirement

Caitlin Clark gave a heartfelt tribute to her Iowa coach Lisa Bluder after the latter announced her retirement.

Longtime Iowa women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder announced her retirement on Monday, and her greatest player has officially sent in her congratulations.

New Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark played for Bluder at Iowa, and she shared a warm message for her old coach as the latter transitions into retirement.

“Simply no one better at building a team,” Clark shared on Twitter (X) on Monday. “Thank you for believing in me more than anyone… Enjoy retirement, coach. Very much deserved.”

Bluder’s retirement closes the chapter on one of the more successful coaching careers in women’s college basketball, and helping develop Clark into a generational talent in the sport was perhaps her greatest on-court achievement.

Clark also gave her ringing endorsement of new Iowa women’s basketball coach Jan Jensen, who was Bluder’s top assistant.

“The only option there ever was!!! You deserve this more than anyone,” Clark shared on social media. “Can’t wait to watch you lead this program!!!”

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