Iowa’s Head Coach Lisa Bluder is shining bright as her team is hitting milestones. Two days ago, the Hawkeyes squashed Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in the Gulf Coast Showcase semifinals and took a 100-62 glorious win. However, that’s not even the best part. It was Coach Bluder’s 500th win at Iowa. Her 24-year-long association with Hawkeyes has already made her the all-time winningest coach in the program’s history.
Bluder began her coaching career at St. Ambrose University in 1984. There she guided the Bees for 6 successful seasons, transforming the team into the NAIA leaders. Under her guidance, the Bees reached 4 straight national tournaments including 2 consecutive Final Four appearances. Lisa was named the NAIA Converse Coach of the Year, with the Bees ranking as the No. 1 team. After 6 phenomenal seasons, she then committed to Drake University in 1990.
From Bees to Bulldogs
After Bees, Lisa coached the Bulldogs for 10 seasons. Evidently, in 1995’s final, the Bulldogs ranked No. 4 for graduation rate success. Bluder committed to her team’s academic success, as she coached two Academic All-America Players of the Year – Jan Jensen in 1991, who is the current Hawkeye Associate Head Coach, and Tricia Wakely in 1996.
In 2004 and 2012, almost eight students, i.e. a team-high were selected to the Academic All-Big Ten Team. Moreover, student-athletes who have played under Lisa’s guidance have a 100% job placement in their career. More so, all athletes recruited by her have earned their degree.
After spending 10 successful seasons, Bluder moved forward in her coaching journey and committed to the University of Iowa.
Icon at Iowa
On April 7th, 2000, Lisa Bluder walked into a packed press room in Carver-Hawkeye Arena with her husband David and her daughter Hannah and was introduced as the Hawkeyes’ fifth head coach. This year marks her 40th coaching year and her 24th year coaching at Iowa.
In 17 seasons, the Hawkeyes have made 16 postseason appearances including 12 NCAA and 4 WNIT, also including NCAA Tournament Berths in 8 of the last 10 seasons. The team has also trailblazed to postseason in 10 consecutive seasons including 8 NCAA and 2 WNIT.
Besides being Hawkeyes coach, Bluder also holds the position of the Dean of Big Ten Coaches. At Iowa, she has posted a 396-217 (.629) record, having 396 wins, which are most of any Hawkeyes women’s basketball coach. In addition, her 35-year record still stands at 752-359 (.679), surpassing the Hall of Famer Coach C. Vivian Stringer with 269 wins.
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For many years to come with her contract extension, it’s fabulous to have a 500th victory for a coach like Bluder early in the season. What do you think? Tell us in the comments.
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