“I had a choke up moment”: Jan Jensen admits getting emotional after learning about Iowa's season tickets sell-out
As Jan Jensen prepares to spearhead the post-Caitlin Clark and Lisa Bluder era, she has all the support the Iowa Hawkeyes can offer. Despite losing all of its star power from the previous year in Clark, Gabbie Marshall, and Kate Martin, the program sold out its season tickets last month.
In an interview with NBC Sports on Wednesday, the new Iowa coach shared that she could not help but get emotional upon hearing the news of the sell-out. (Start at 3:34)
"I would say when I was in my office and I got the message that ‘Hey we're releasing,’ I mean I had a little choke up moment,” Jensen said. “Because that is just a testament to all that's happened before but also a belief in what can continue to happen. And when you're a new coach that has that support, you know, I kind of really choked up thinking about it because that does not happen everywhere."
She also highlighted the support and belief fans have bestowed toward the program’s culture and standard of basketball. That is despite seeing superstar Caitlin Clark move on to the pros.
It is the second straight year the Hawkeyes recorded a season sellout. Last year’s feat came in August and highlighted the meteoric rise of Caitlin Clark’s following.
Per KGAN, Iowa women's basketball ticket prices went up from last year. Renewal season tickets for adults now cost $210 from $175, while new season tickets are $225 compared to $195 last season.
Jan Jensen is changing a few things in Iowa this season
Even though she consistently mentioned adding more 3-point shooting to her playbook multiple times during Media Day, Jan Jensen is not trying to recreate Caitlin Clark’s style. Instead, the 2024-25 Hawkeyes will see Hawkeyes’ quick motion offense mixed with set actions to utilize most of each player.
Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen and forward Hannah Stuelke will be the team’s leaders on the floor. Olsen was the third-best scorer in Division I basketball last season. Stuelke’s explosive approach to the game and athleticism promise an impactful two-way presence.
Jan Jensen expressed her optimism about Olsen's ability to lead the offense.
“We have a lot of kids who play either the one or two positions in high school,” Jensen said per the Daily Iowan. “So certainly Lucy Olsen, that was a great addition that we had needed. So I feel comfortable with who can handle the ball and who’s going to handle the ball.”
While Jan Jensen did not touch on her strategies, she shared that she has tweaked Hawkeyes’ defensive schemes from last year.