In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball community, Lisa Bluder, the head coach of Iowa, has announced her retirement from coaching.
Bluder’s decision comes on the heels of her guiding the program to consecutive title appearances and achieving a remarkable record of over 530 victories during her tenure at Iowa. Notably, she played a pivotal role in nurturing and mentoring one of the most exceptional talents in college basketball history, Caitlin Clark.
During her time under Bluder’s guidance, Clark ascended to become a shining star in college basketball, ultimately cementing her legacy as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history. Clark’s phenomenal collegiate career culminated in her selection as the top pick in the WNBA Draft, where she is poised to make an indelible mark on the professional stage even before her debut. Naturally, Clark has expressed nothing but admiration and gratitude towards Bluder following her retirement announcement.
Taking to social media, Clark lauded Bluder’s exceptional abilities in team-building and credited her coach for believing in her more than anyone else. She extended heartfelt wishes for Bluder to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
The departure of both Clark and Bluder, especially following the program’s most successful season in school history, undoubtedly presents a significant challenge for Iowa. However, the university has swiftly appointed long-serving Iowa assistant Jan Jensen as the new head coach. Additionally, they have secured the transfer of Lucy Olsen from Villanova, a standout performer who ranked third in the nation in scoring during the previous season.
