"I probably took a couple years off of her career": Caitlin Clark jokes after talk with retired Hawkeyes coach Lisa Bluder
Lisa Bluder, who coached Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes, unexpectedly announced her retirement from coaching on Tuesday.
Bluder was in charge of the Hawkeyes for the past 24 seasons and will be replaced by former assistant Jan Jensen.
On Tuesday, Caitlin Clark shared her thoughts on Bluder's retirement.
"I am happy for her. I called her and talked to her on the phone. I think she probably put a lot of thought into it. I couldn't be more happy for her," said Clark.
"I mean I probably took a couple of years off of her career, her having to coach me," she added.
Lisa Bluder coached Caitlin Clark for two seasons, guiding her to becoming one of the best women's college basketball players in the world. She broke many records while playing for Iowa under Bluder, won the Naismith Player of the Year twice (2023 & 2024) and was drafted No. 1 overall by Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Bluder, 63, concluded her Iowa career as the winningest coach in the Big Ten conference with a record of 528-254. With Caitlin Clark, in the past two seasons, Bluder led Iowa to 65 wins and only 12 losses.
However, both Clark and Bluder couldn't achieve their dream of winning an NCAA title together. The Hawkeyes featured in two title games in the last two years but lost to LSU in 2023 and South Carolina in 2024.
Clark averaged 31.6 points per game in her final collegiate season.
Caitlin Clark and Lisa Bluder talked about Jan Jensen becoming the new head coach
Caitlin Clark also took some time to appreciate the hiring of Jan Jensen.
"The program is going to be in really good shape with Coach J taking over. Somebody that's been very selfless," said Clark.
Meanwhile, Lisa Bluder also shared her thoughts on Jensen's appointment, while talking about always being there for her to help.
"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," said Bluder. "I'm committed to helping her, and her staff, in whatever capacity they need moving forward."
This will be Jensen's first year as a head coach.