"Class act, no doubt": Fans react to new Iowa HC Jan Jensen's warm appreciation post for Lisa Bluder
After the surprising retirement decision of Lisa Bluder as Iowa Hawkeyes coach on Monday, the torch was passed to her assistant, Jan Jensen. Bluder, a legendary coach, retired after 24 years with Iowa, guiding the Hawks to two NCAA championship games.
Jensen was unveiled as the new coach during a press conference on Wednesday. She bid farewell to Bluder on her social media handle on Thursday with a heartfelt message.
"My heartfelt thanks to my mentor, my boss & especially my dear friend Lisa Bluder. She rose to GOAT status in every realm & emphatically "Grew The Game," Jensen wrote on Instagram.
"But, most importantly, she 'grew people'... she certainly helped 'grow' me. Love you, Lis & forever grateful to be part of your legacy."
It will be Jan Jensen's first time as head coach, and she has been a player under Bluder at Drake University. So having worked as a player and an assistant under her, Jensen is expected to have a better understanding of Bluder's game and techniques.
Moreover, it was recently confirmed by Chad Leistikow, a Des Moines Register and Press-Citizen columnist, that Bluder will always be in touch with Jensen as an adviser whenever required.
"Jan Jensen says that Lisa Bluder will stay on as an adviser to her and the team," wrote Lestikow.
The farewell message posted by Jan Jensen for Lisa Bluder caught the attention of fans on Instagram, with some calling it "a class act."
"Class act, no doubt," wrote one fan.
"Job well done," another posted.
While some fans were very happy to have Jensen as the new Hawkeyes coach and wished her the best in her new endeavor.
"So happy that you will carry on the legacy! GO HAWKS!!" a fan said.
"Congratulations Jan. Best of luck to you. The university made the right choice," another suggested.
Some fans wanted Bluder to take over Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever in the WNBA after retiring from collegiate coaching.
"I hope she heads to the WNBA and takes over the Fever," one fan wished.
"She will coach the fever as soon as hey go 0-10," another predicted.
Former Iowa coach Lisa Bluder praises Jan Jensen
Lisa Bluder, in her retirement speech, had great things to say about Jensen and talked about her potential to take on a big program like Iowa.
"There's no better person to lead this program than Jan Jensen, and I am thrilled she will have the opportunity to build on the foundation established," Bluder said. "I'm committed to helping her, and her staff, in whatever capacity they need moving forward."
Bluder also confirmed her availability as an advisor if required by Jensen or her staff at any point in time. With her support, Iowa is expected to do well under new coach Jensen.