Hawkeye Women’s Basketball Rise Continues Under Jan Jensen After Bluder Legacy

The Hawkeye women’s basketball rise a meteoric surge in national relevance under legendary coach Lisa Bluder is now being sustained and reimagined under new head coach Jan Jensen, as the program continues its historic tradition of late‑season excellence. From deep NCAA Tournament runs to consistent 20‑win seasons, Iowa has proven year after year that its women’s team is among the nation’s elite.

Under Bluder’s guidance, the Hawkeyes reached back‑to‑back National Championship Games, and now, with Jensen at the helm, the legacy of success shows no signs of slowing. The program’s ability to thrive late in February and into March when championships are won and legends are made remains unmistakable.

Hawkeye Women’s Basketball Rise: From Bluder’s Reign to Jensen’s New Era

For over two decades, Lisa Bluder was synonymous with Hawkeyes women’s basketball greatness. She retired in May 2024 after 24 seasons as head coach, leaving behind a resume that includes five Big Ten tournament championships, two shared regular‑season titles, and 18 NCAA Tournament appearances including consecutive National Championship Game trips in 2023 and 2024.

Bluder’s teams were consistently competitive. Her overall career record stood at 528‑254 at Iowa and 884‑396 overall, ranking her among the winningest coaches in College Women’s Basketball history.

“I can’t thank you enough for believing in me,” Bluder wrote upon announcing her retirement, a nod to the community that supported her teams for nearly a quarter‑century.

With Caitlin Clark shattering scoring records and energizing fanbases nationwide, Iowa women’s basketball captured headlines like never before. Clark became Division I’s all‑time leading scorer and helped the team to 34 wins in her final season cementing Hawkeye basketball’s place in college hoops lore.

When Bluder stepped away, many wondered if the Hawkeyes would maintain their elite status. But Jan Jensen, long Bluder’s trusted assistant and the architect of much of the program’s recruiting success, stepped into the spotlight and she has continued the tradition of excellence.

Jan Jensen: A New Leader with a Deep Hawkeye Roots

Many programs struggle after a coaching legend departs, but Jensen was uniquely positioned to lead Iowa into its next chapter. She had been by Bluder’s side for 24 seasons first as a player under Bluder at Drake University and later as Bluder’s top assistant at Iowa.

As head coach, Jensen has already carved out her own identity while respecting the culture that made the Hawkeyes great.

In her first full season as head coach, Jensen guided the team to a solid 23‑11 record and secured a seventh consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance a remarkable feat given the high turnover of personnel after Clark’s departure.

Jensen was also honored as the 2025 Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year for her contributions, a testament to her leadership and tactical prowess in her first campaign.

“I’m profoundly honored to continue building on the success of this program,” Jensen said shortly after being introduced as head coach, emphasizing both pride and humility in her new role.

Her deep familiarity with the program from recruiting to development and game‑planning has helped sustain Iowa’s excellence, even as the roster evolves.

Historic Consistency: 20‑Win Seasons and Postseason Runs

One thing that hasn’t changed in Iowa City is the Hawkeyes’ knack for winning. The team marked another milestone under Jensen with a 20‑win season, extending an impressive streak of winning campaigns. In a March showdown against Wisconsin, senior Lucy Olsen led all scorers with 22 points, while Hannah Stuelke recorded a dominant double‑double with 21 points and 15 rebounds, sealing an 81‑66 victory in front of a packed Carver‑Hawkeye Arena.

That win marked Iowa’s eighth 20‑win season in the past decade and underscored the team’s resilience and depth even as roster turnover and departures to the WNBA reshaped the landscape.

Such consistency isn’t accidental. It reflects a program with solid recruiting, player development, and a culture that gears up for late‑season surges when conference tournaments and March Madness loom.

Recruiting Momentum and Future Stars

Even as the Hawkeyes navigated the post‑Clark era, they continued to attract high‑impact talent. Fresh faces and recruits have stepped into larger roles, helping to sustain Iowa’s competitiveness and fuel optimism among fans and analysts alike.

The commitment of 5‑star forward McKenna Woliczko ranked among the nation’s top prospects exemplifies Iowa’s recruiting reach and Jensen’s ability to keep the program thriving at the highest level.

Supporters say this continued momentum in the portal and high school recruiting reflects not just a rebuilding team, but a sustained contender. Many analysts believe that with smart development and strategic play calling, the Hawkeyes could be on the verge of another deep tournament run.

The Hawkeye Women’s Basketball Legacy in March

Historically, the Iowa women have been at their best in late February and March a trend that dates back decades and encompasses NCAA tournament success. Under Bluder, the Hawkeyes made multiple Elite Eight and Final Four appearances and reached two straight National Championship Games.

Now under Jensen, that same postseason savviness persists. Her teams have shown poise in conference play and resilience in tightly contested games traits that are vital come March.

Fans and pundits alike have noted that while the style of play has evolved with a new coach and roster makeup, Iowa’s hunger for late‑season glory remains undiminished.

Looking Ahead: Expectations, Challenges, and Championship Aspirations

With a young yet promising roster and a veteran coach who knows the program inside and out, expectations are high. The challenge for Iowa will be blending experienced upperclassmen with rising stars and maintaining focus against elite competition.

But this program has shown its mettle time and time again. From historic scoring performances to clutch conference wins, the Hawkeyes have consistently proven they can compete on the biggest stages.

Whether in March or beyond, when the stakes are highest, Hawkeye Nation expects a team that doesn’t just show up it performs, competes, and makes noise.