"Lotsa blood, sweat and tears went into these": Jan Jensen admires Iowa's Big 12 & Final Four rings
New Iowa Hawkeyes coach Jan Jensen was amazed by the details of the special rings released in commemoration of the team's success in the 2023-24 season. The coach shared a post from the program's official Instagram account, which showcased the intricate details of the diamond-studded rings.
In an Instagram story, Jensen reposted Iowa's post featuring the rings and wrote:
"Lotsa blood, sweat and tears went into these rings... so thankful for the memories!"
In Lisa Bluder's final season in charge, the Hawkeyes won the Big Ten Tournament and reached the NCAA championship game. Jan Jensen was the associate head coach during the Hawkeyes' run.
She was promoted to head coach after Bluder announced her retirement following 24 successful seasons at the helm of Iowa's women's basketball program.
The rings, commemorating the team's success last season, are adorned with diamonds. The ring celebrating their Big Ten Tournament success is gold and features the trophy alongside the words, "Back to Back to Back," signifying their achievement of winning the title three years in a row.
The ring celebrating their second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament finals is silver and has "Final Four" engraved on it. Both rings prominently display the Hawkeyes on the front.
During the Hawkeyes' homecoming event, key players from the 2023-24 roster, including Caitlin Clark, Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall, were honored with the rings. Lisa Bluder also made an appearance to celebrate with the team.
Jan Jensen keen to impress in her first season as head coach
Jensen has a massive responsibility on her shoulders, having been chosen to lead the new era of Hawkeyes women's basketball. With the Hawkeyes losing Clark, Martin, Marshall and more, Jensen and her staff worked hard to recruit during the offseason.
The Hawkeyes made waves by signing special talents, the most prominent one being Lucy Olsen, who starred for the Villanova Wildcats in the last three seasons.
Jensen will begin her maiden season as the Hawkeyes' head coach with a home game against the Northern Illinois Huskies on Nov. 6.