“We’re forever grateful”: Iowa pays emotional tribute to ex-Hawkeyes star and commentator Jamie Cavey Lang
Former Iowa women’s basketball player and color commentator Jamie Cavey Lang passed away on Saturday after a battle with cancer. The Iowa women's basketball community paid an emotional tribute to the former Hawkeyes star with a post on Instagram. The post showed a photo of Lang hugging the Hawkeyes coach Jan Jenson, alongside the caption:
"The voice of our favorite memories 💛 Jamie brought joy to all she encountered. She was an All-B1G competitor and an enthusiastic and entertaining color analyst. More importantly, she was an incredible friend and mother. Rest in peace, Jamie Cavey Lang. We’re forever grateful you are part of the Hawkeye family."
Lang passed away at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. She was 41 years old and survived by her husband Mike and children Vincent, Bennett, and Sydney. Her parents and siblings also survive her.
Jamie Cavey Lang: A brief look at former Iowa star's career
Jamie Cavey Lang was born on July 20, 1983, in Cedar Rapids. After graduating from North Cedar High School in 2001, Lang played for the University of Iowa women’s basketball team from 2001-2005. During this period, she was a part of four postseason squads and finished her Hawkeye career with 1,265 points (27th in program history) and 506 rebounds.
Lang was also a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and two-time All-Big Ten selection. She earned a master’s degree in higher education from Iowa and became a career advisor at the university.
Lang also served on the Presidential Committee on Athletes for several years. In 2016, she joined Iowa's women's basketball broadcast team and served as a radio commentator until 2023.
Lang was clearly loved within the Hawkeyes basketball community. Shortly after news of her death broke, tributes poured in for the former commentator from many members of the Iowa community. One of them was the Iowa coach who took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a heartfelt tribute for the former college women's basketball player:
"It’s with a heavy heart, I share our @Iowawbb family has lost 1 of our brightest lights. Jamie Cavey Lang has joined the angels. Her beautiful spirit brought joy, fun & love to all she touched. A Hawkeye All-B1G Post,an incredible person & my friend…Love you forever, Jami-Sohn."
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is clear—Lang will be dearly missed and remembered by her family, friends, and Iowa basketball community.