Iowa coach Lisa Bluder retires after 24 seasons with Hawkeyes

Longtime Iowa women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder, who oversaw the rise of star player Caitlin Clark, announced her retirement Monday after 24 seasons with the program.

“It is with a range of emotions that I share with you today that I have decided to step down from leading the Iowa women’s basketball team after 24 memorable years,” Bluder said in a statement. “I informed President Wilson and Director of Athletics Beth Goetz of my decision and I am grateful for their unwavering support and offered them my assistance in any manner in the future.”

Basketball Icon.
Legendary Leader.
All-Time Great.

Lisa Bluder announces retirement.#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/zaCehITUu3

— Iowa Women’s Basketball (@IowaWBB) May 13, 2024

“After the season ended, I spent time with our student-athletes and coaches reviewing the season and preparing those moving on for what comes next,” Bluder said. “With that also came personal contemplation about what this journey has meant to me, how to best champion this program, and what the future looks like for my family and me. After then taking some time away with my husband, David, it became clear to me that I am ready to step aside.”

This will be updated.

(Photo: Jason Miller / Getty Images)