PHOTO: Iowa HC Jan Jensen gets dressed up in Vikings merch ahead of Minnesota vs. Green Bay Packers game
Jan Jensen took to social media to show her love for football earlier today. The new Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball coach shared an Instagram story where she sported a Minnesota Vikings T-shirt to cheer them on for their game against the Green Bay Packers.
Jensen also had a slight rivalry in her household, as her son Jack Jensen-Fitzpatrick donned a jacket in Green Bay Packers' colors. The duo posed for a photo which went onto Jensen's story, with the caption, "House divided... Go Vikes!!!"
Prior to this photo, Jensen's wife Julie Fitzpatrick also shared a snap from her son's "Homecoming," which featured Jensen. Jack and his date, Nora Wade. Julie also shared a photo of the couple, who enjoyed the event with their family and friends.
Jan Jensen to usher in a new era of women's basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes
Following 24 seasons at the helm, Lisa Bluder stepped down as the Hawkeyes women's basketball coach as arguably the most iconic coach in program history. Jensen enjoyed a memorable journey under Bluder, rising through the ranks from playing under her for the Drake Bulldogs to serving as assistant coach for the Hawkeyes throughout Bluder's tenure as coach.
Jensen has a few major challenges to overcome ahead of her maiden season as the Hawkeyes coach. The biggest challenge is mitigating the loss of star Caitlin Clark, who the Indiana Fever made the top pick in this year's WNBA draft following a stellar 2023-24 season in which she helped the Hawkeyes reach the final of the NCAA Tournament.
They found a strong replacement through the transfer portal as they signed Villanova Wildcats star Lucy Olsen to strengthen their roster. Olsen was one of the top players in the Big East last season, averaging 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 35 starts for the Wildcats.
With a strong roster and immense experience in developing a team which can compete for titles regularly, Jensen will look to achieve the one thing that Bluder couldn't in 24 years: winning the NCAA Tournament with the Hawkeyes.
After finishing runners-up in back-to-back seasons, the Hawkeyes will be favorites in the 2024-25 season once again. Jensen will look to start the new era in the women's basketball program strong, and will open their campaign by facing the Missouri Western Griffons on October 30th.