Tag: Lisa Bluder

Fans roasted Lisa Bluder for calling Caitlin Clark ‘the Maya Moore of her generation’

Oh, Lisa Bluder. We knew what you meant, but phrasing really matters.

Caitlin Clark‘s rise to fame in college and the WNBA has drawn many comparisons to previous hoops greats. Clark’s former college coach, Lisa Bluder, says Caitlin is “the Maya Moore of her generation.” YES. That was an actual sentence.

Few people in the league can do what Caitlin Clark can, especially rookies. It’s probably hard for anyone who’s had the pleasure of watching her get to the professional level to describe how special she is.

Lisa Bluder recently shared what Caitlin means to young fans. Here’s what she told CBS Sports:

“She is definitely making a difference in kids’ lives. For her, Maya Moore was a huge role model growing up. So now, she’s the Maya Moore of this generation, and she understands that.”

“She understands how important that was to her — to get that autograph after the game, to get that hug, to take that picture with…I just think it’s off the court, she’s so genuine. She’s so giving of her time, and she’s really an honest — and just the passion and the joy she plays with is so special.”

Bluder was trying to convey that what Maya Moore gave to Caitlin by stopping for photos and autographs when she was young was impactful. Now, Caitlin gets to do that for young hoops fans who idolize her similarly.

But that’s not quite how she explained it. Of course, hoops fans are having a field day with the comparison. This is how social media reacted:

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Lisa Bluder reacts to Caitlin Clark’s Olympics omission

A voice of reason.

One of the biggest storylines in the world of sports over the past few days has been USA Basketball leaving Caitlin Clark off its 2024 Paris Olympics roster.

The 12-player roster was selected for experience over exposure and the youthful superstardom that Clark would have provided.

Team USA’s decision to omit Clark from its 2024 Olympics roster sparked plenty of debate and reaction from sports fans.

Now, Clark’s former head coach at Iowa, Lisa Bluder, sounded off on the subject. In an interview with Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post, Bluder shared her reaction to the news.

“I obviously would love to have seen her on that team. She’s represented USA Basketball many times. She’s won three gold medals, but we have to remember, it is the hardest team to make anywhere. It is the hardest team to make and the 12 women that they have chosen are exceptional women.

“The only but I have is, what about the future? Because this team has not lost a game since 1992. A game they haven’t lost. So, they’re a great group. They’re experienced. There’s no doubt we’re going to win another gold medal in Paris, but what about the fact that in four years we’re going to be playing in LA. How are we preparing for that? That would be my only thought,” Bluder said.

Asked which player might be the next Sue Bird or great leader for USA Basketball, Bluder wasn’t ready to say definitively that it was Clark. But, coach Bluder knows the type of potential that Clark possesses and took a moment to share what she feels is one of the silver linings of Clark’s omission from the Olympics roster.

“Yeah, I couldn’t answer that, Sally. I’m not sure, but I think it would’ve benefited Caitlin if she would’ve had another year of experience and maybe not be coming right off of her collegiate season where she’s pretty tired as you can see in her play right now. When she’s tired, she struggles a little bit. When she’s fresh as in the other night, she has 30 points. So, her body needs a rest and the silver lining is that her body will get some rest during this break and I think that’s what we have to focus on is the silver lining to this whole deal,” Bluder said.

Clark’s new head coach in the WNBA, Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides, shared an interesting nugget after Clark’s exclusion from the USA Basketball roster. Sides said that Clark told her in a text message that the Olympics snub “woke a monster.”

Bluder was asked if she’s shared any similar moments with Clark during their time together at Iowa.

“Yeah, not those exact words but certainly I mean any time that somebody doubts her, somebody says she can’t do something, she’s going to go prove them wrong. So, definitely she’s in a position to really be motivated highly to continue growing her game and being successful and making the next Olympics in four years,” Bluder said.

It should indeed be motivating for Clark and Clark said as much this past Sunday.

“I’m excited for the girls that are on the team. I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way, me being on the team or me not being on the team. I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics, so it will be fun to watch them.

“Honestly, no disappointment. It just gives me something to work for. It’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that. Hopefully when four years comes back around, I can be there,” Clark said.

Clark and the Fever return to action on Thursday at 6 p.m. versus the Atlanta Dream.

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Lisa Bluder, Jan Jensen comment on Iowa assistant coach Jenni Fitzgerald’s retirement

Coach Lisa Bluder and coach Jan Jensen commented on Jenni Fitzgerald’s retirement and her impact on the Hawkeyes.

One of the fixtures in Iowa City announced that she is stepping away from Iowa women’s basketball.

Iowa’s special assistant to the head coach, Jenni Fitzgerald, revealed that she is retiring after 24 seasons with the 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 was a part of every staff former head coach Lisa Bluder put together in Iowa City. Prior to her stint with the Hawkeyes, Fitzgerald served alongside coach Bluder and current Iowa head coach Jan Jensen at Drake as well.

As the news broke, Bluder commented on Fitzgerald’s decision to retire.

“I have valued working alongside Jenni the past 32 years. She is an amazing strategist and coach, and I am thankful that I get to call her a friend for the rest of our lives!” Bluder said.

Coach Jensen took to X to comment on the big news.

“I’m beginning to think it’s me!” Jensen joked. “Seriously, no surprise. Jenni tried to head to the sun earlier, but we sweet talked her for a lil’ more time! What a ride! I love ya, Jenni! I was so blessed to play and coach with you. But, the biggest blessing is being best friends!”

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.

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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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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.

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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Legendary Iowa head women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder announces retirement

An Iowa icon is stepping away. Thanks, coach Lisa Bluder.

In a spring shocker, the greatest coach in Iowa Hawkeye women’s basketball history is stepping away.

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 won each of the past three Big Ten Tournaments.

“It is with a range of emotions that I share with you today that I have decided to step down from leading the Iowa women’s basketball team after 24 memorable years. … It has been the honor of my career to be a part of the Iowa Hawkeye family, and to lead a women’s basketball program filled with so many talented and remarkable young women, who have gone on to do great things in their careers and, more importantly, in their lives.

“There is no denying that this past season was incredible for so many reasons, and we could not have accomplished our achievements without all of you. After the season ended, I spent time with our student-athletes and coaches reviewing the season and preparing those moving on for what comes next. With that also came personal contemplation about what this journey has meant to me, how to best champion this program, and what the future looks like for my family and me. After then taking some time away with my husband, David, it became clear to me that I am ready to step aside.

“There is never an ideal time to retire and I am sure this fall that I will miss the games, the practices, the road trips, the atmosphere, the tremendous fans and, most importantly, the players. But my belief in the foundation of this program, knowing that success is now an unrelenting component of women’s basketball at the University of Iowa gives me comfort as I transition to become the program’s biggest champion,” Bluder said in her statement.

The longtime Hawkeye head coach accomplished much in Iowa City. Bluder departs Iowa as the winningest coach in program history, racking up a record of 528-254 (262-145 Big Ten) with the Hawkeyes.

Bluder’s overall coaching mark was 884-396 across stops at St. Ambrose, Drake and Iowa. The Hawkeyes have elevated assistant coach Jan Jensen as their next head women’s basketball coach.

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Lisa Bluder celebrates Iowa’s warrior, Kate Martin

After her late-game heroics and toughness in the Hawkeyes’ win vs. UConn, Lisa Bluder and Iowa paid homage to its “warrior,” Kate Martin.

As The Glue typically does, graduate guard Kate Martin came up with several massive plays down the stretch of the Iowa Hawkeyes‘ Final Four win over UConn.

Martin scored six fourth-quarter points on a pair of fadeaway jumpers and a driving floater. The 6-foot guard’s first fadeaway jumper came with 6:25 remaining to put Iowa up by seven, 64-57, as Martin faded away from UConn guard Paige Bueckers.

Then, in the game’s final three minutes, Martin came up with back-to-back key buckets that gave the Hawkeyes a six-point lead on each offensive trip.

Martin netted another fadeaway jumper over UConn’s Bueckers as she drove to the block, pivoted and faded away, sinking the fallaway jumper to put Iowa in front, 68-62, with 2:57 remaining.

On Iowa’s ensuing possession, Martin took the basketball on a handoff from fifth-year guard Gabbie Marshall. She drove and spun past UConn defender Ashlynn Shade, floating home to put the Hawkeyes in front, 70-64, with 2:14 left to play.

All of this came after Martin’s nose was bloodied by UConn forward Aaliyah Edwards’ elbow on Edwards’ basket that tied the basketball game at 47 apiece with 2:19 remaining in the third quarter. Martin fell to the floor in a heap and spent a brief moment being attended to in Iowa’s locker room.

Of course, Martin returned and authored several of the game’s biggest plays for the Hawkeyes. Martin finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and a pair of steals against the Huskies.

Afterward, Iowa head women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder tipped her cap to her captain’s toughness and magical playmaking.

“Kate Martin, what a warrior. That kid, she was not going to be denied in that fourth quarter. Some of those takes she had to the basket, turnarounds, strong jumpers.

“I don’t know what happened to her nose. But, we obviously all saw a lot of blood. That poor kid has broken her nose I think every single year she’s been at Iowa. But, she’s a warrior, she’s a leader, she’s the heart and soul of our team,” Bluder said.

Iowa senior guard Caitlin Clark likewise applauded Martin’s resiliency and how the Edwardsville, Ill, native encapsulates what it means to be a Hawkeye.

“Well, poor Kate has gone quite a while without breaking her nose and having blood gush out of it. And then, in one of her last career games, she’s on the floor and she has hurt her nose again. I don’t know if it’s broken or not, but I think Kate’s just toughness, resiliency and leadership is the biggest thing. You see it, Kate’s a pro player. You see her game, she’s hitting fadeaway jump shots, she’s going at people.

“The way she took over at the end of the fourth, she came up with, I think, six straight points for us. I’m just so proud of her. She’s worked so hard over the course of this offseason. She knew she was going to be a focal point for us on offense, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. She’s had a long career. All she’s ever dreamed of is being an Iowa Hawkeye, and she embodies that every single day,” Clark said.

With one more performance like what Martin authored against UConn, Iowa just might be cutting down the nets in Cleveland as the national champion.

Iowa will battle South Carolina for the national championship at 2 p.m. CT on ABC from inside Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

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Lisa Bluder earns massive bonuses from Iowa’s Final Four trip

Coach Lisa Bluder earned these bonuses.

With the Hawkeyes‘ second straight Final Four trip, Iowa is one of the toasts of the women’s college basketball world.

Thanks to the play of superstar senior guard Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes’ talented supporting cast, Iowa (33-4, 15-3 Big Ten) is off to Cleveland and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse to battle UConn (33-5, Big East).

The winner will battle either South Carolina or North Carolina State for the national championship.

After another one of her patented offensive explosions, Clark is naturally at the center of the sports world’s conversation. Clark erupted for 41 points, an NCAA Tournament record-tying nine made 3-pointers and 12 assists to register her 67th career double-double.

As has been the case when Iowa has played its best basketball, Clark benefited from key contributions from her teammates. Graduate guard Kate Martin scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds.

Junior guard Sydney Affolter continued her strong play, too. Since being inserted into Iowa’s starting lineup following Molly Davis’ injury, Affolter has been nothing short of sensational for the Hawkeyes.

Affolter knocked down a pair of 3-pointers, finished with 16 points and added five rebounds.

As Iowa reaches another Final Four, the Hawkeye players aren’t the only ones reaping the recognition and rewards.

Per Front Office Sports, thanks to the Hawkeyes’ latest Final Four trip, Iowa head women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder has earned $300,000 in bonuses this season. Bluder also earned a $150,000 raise beginning next season and she activated an automatic two-year contract extension.

Bluder’s status as Iowa’s most successful women’s basketball coach was never in question. The longtime head Hawkeye entered this season as Iowa’s all-time wins leader. But, this latest tournament run only cements that status in Iowa City and should help propel the program’s national reputation for years to come.

Just as Caitlin Clark helped morph Iowa City into college basketball’s epicenter, Bluder deserves all sorts of credit for elevating the Hawkeyes’ program into this stratosphere.

It’s been fun to watch and Bluder has earned every penny of financial reverberations and job stability that is a result of her and the Hawkeyes’ successes.

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