PHOTO: Lisa Bulder, Jan Jensen, and crew “wheel up” to see former Iowa star Caitlin Clark in her home opener with Indiana
Lisa Bluder, Jan Jensen and their entourage have hit the road to catch former Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark's home opener with the Indiana Fever on Thursday night. They will be supporting Clark as she takes center stage in her debut WNBA home game in Indianapolis against the New York Liberty.
Jan Jensen, who succeeded Iowa Hawkeyes coach Lisa Bluder after her retirement on Monday, posted a story on her Instagram with the caption:
“Wheels up to see @caitlinclark22 & her team in her home opener! Go Fever!!!! Go Hawks!!!! 👊🏼”
Clark's journey in the WNBA officially kicked off in a 92-71 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday. She’ll now square off against Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty, aiming to make a mark in her new team's colors.
In her WNBA season debut, Clark displayed glimpses of her potential while telling everyone at the Mohegan Sun Arena why she was the overall No. 1 draft pick. The NCAA's all-time highest scorer recorded the most points in the game with 20, tied with DeWanna Bonner of Connecticut.
Also read: How long has Lisa Bluder been at Iowa? Former Hawkeyes HC's professional career explored
Jan Jensen hails Lisa Bluder after latter's retirement as Iowa coach
It’s time for Jan Jensen to step into the limelight after Lisa Bluder's retirement as the Iowa Hawkeyes coach. However, Bluder’s partner in crime for the past two decades didn't miss a beat in expressing her gratitude and admiration for her mentor.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Jensen hailed Bluder's legacy, writing:
“My heartfelt thx to my mentor, my boss & especially my dear friend @lisabluder. She rose to🐐status in every realm & emphatically 'Grew The Game'. But,most importantly, she "grew people"...she certainly helped 'grow' me. Love you, Lis & forever grateful to be part of your legacy❤️”
Pledging to continue the Iowa women’s basketball program on the same blueprint as Bluder’s, Jensen said at her introductory press conference on Wednesday afternoon:
“The same vision that I had working with Lisa will be continuing. ou want to do it at a very high level. That will remain the same.”
Twenty years is not a short time, and Jensen, despite receiving tempting job offers elsewhere, has remained loyal to Iowa. Now, as Jan Jensen takes the reins, she carries forward the legacy of success crafted by Lisa Bluder and herself.
Also read: What does Lisa Bluder's retirement mean for Iowa's roster? Exploring potential future options for Gabbie Marshall and others