With a solid 528-254, Five Big Ten Titles, and 18 NCAA Tournament Appearances, former Iowa Hawkeyes’ Lisa Bluder’s legacy lives on. After 24 years of building and marking the end of an era, Bluder left some big shoes to fill. Now, her longtime associate head coach, Jan Jensen, is stepping in, and their bond was on display in a heartwarming moment.

Just a week before Iowa’s home opener against Northern Illinois Huskies, Jensen ran up the arena stairs to hug Bluder, who was in the stands. John Steppe from The Gazette caught it all, captioning it, “Cool moment as @goiowa runs up the Carver stairs to give Lisa Bluder a hug before tonight’s exhibition.”

Under Jensen’s guidance now, the Hawkeyes exceptionally took on Missouri Western 110-55 in the only exhibition prior to real play. Could not be a better start for Jensen and well, in the presence of her mentor! So with the new season approaching, Iowa fans get their first peek at this new era, complete with a hype video reliving last season’s impressive run.

The video kicks off with the confetti drop celebrating the Big Ten tournament victory, followed by a shot of the coveted Big Ten title ring. Featuring every player who helped shape last season’s success, it was a memory down the lane. And while the new season means new leadership, it doesn’t mean expectations have lowered. With Jensen in charge, the team has sights set on claiming a fourth consecutive Big Ten title—and maybe, their first national championship.

However, it can’t be denied that Bluder’s legacy is irreplaceable. In her words, “It has been the honor of my career to be 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,” she added.

Last season, she guided star Caitlin Clark to the national player of the year title. In fact, shaped her into the player she is today. But now that Bluder’s coaching days at Iowa are over, what’s next for her?

Lisa Bluder to reunite with Iowa Alumna?

The coach may not be away from the court for long. Following Caitlin Clark’s explosive rookie season in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever, rumors are flying that her next stop might actually be the professional league. Just recently, the Fever announced the firing of head coach Christie Sides, and Bluder’s name is being tossed around. After all, who better to guide the young star than her former coach, the very mentor who has seen her grow? 

The 63-year-old made CC the most complete player in college basketball, and this reunion could be a dream scenario. The rookie has already cemented her identity by winning her Rookie of the Year win and a fourth-place finish in the MVP race. 

Even Fever’s #22 credits her former coach, saying, “Simply no one better at building a team.” Sides was often criticized for not bringing Clark’s full potential to the court, and Bluder might just be the key to it. 

However, neither Indiana nor Lisa Bluder has confirmed any plans yet. But we hope to see her back in action, this time at the pro level. Also, we can’t wait to witness how Jensen takes Iowa forward. She has her work cut out for her, especially with high-profile additions like USC and UCLA. She has secured a commendable start. But will she be able to carry the momentum?