The Iowa women’s basketball team has made history by reaching the Final Four in 2023. This milestone marks a journey of several years of hard work and perseverance by the players and coaches alike. Lisa Bluder, Jen Jensen, and Jenni Fitzgerald have been coaching at Iowa for the past 23 years, building an incredible bond and friendship with each other while developing a noteworthy program.
The Trio’s Unbreakable Bond
Bluder knew she wanted Jensen and Fitzgerald on her staff when she left Drake to become Iowa’s head coach. The trio remained together for all these years, pushing through good and bad times and creating great memories. This strong bond made facing challenges easier to overcome.
Iowa’s path to the Final Four was full of tough competition against elite teams such as Stanford and UConn during Bluder’s 15th season, which marked her first Sweet 16 appearance with the Hawkeyes. During her 19th season, they reached their first Elite Eight appearance. These milestones took long to achieve, but Iowa’s trio had not accomplished all their goals yet and were determined to succeed.
Elite Post Player Development by Jan Jensen
Jensen was instrumental in developing elite post players for the Hawkeyes, making many contributions to their journey. Despite having many opportunities to leave Iowa, she chose to stay. According to Christensen, Jensen’s friend from childhood who hosted watch parties for Hawkeye games, “She is an incredible human being.”
Jan Jensen Inspires Confidence After Personal Loss
Jensen received unfortunate news of her father’s passing in hospice care after battling pancreatic cancer on the morning of their Elite Eight win over Louisville. Dale Jensen had expressed his goal to watch his daughter’s team until the very end. After learning of her father’s death, Jan Jensen felt confident, believing that her father knew they would win.
Iowa Hawkeyes went on to win 97-83 against Louisville, securing their first Final Four appearance in 30 years. After the game, Jan Jensen climbed the ladder to cut down the nets and pointed to the heavens, knowing that her father was watching.
Lisa Bluder Set to Make History
Bluder has won more games than any other Iowa men’s or women’s basketball coach. With the team’s appearance in the Final Four, Bluder’s chances of being inducted into the Hall of Fame have increased. Bluder’s daughter, Hannah is also part of the coaching staff and serves as the team’s director of basketball operations. Hannah had been two-and-a-half years old when Bluder accepted the Iowa job.
Iowa’s achievement undoubtedly marks a significant moment for both players and coaches. The three friends and coaches have faced challenges together and overcome them through their unbreakable bond. They have worked tirelessly for years, and their journey has been one defined by resilience, hard work. They are now preparing hard for what will be a historic Final Four match up with South Carolina.
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