Jan Jensen named Iowa Head Women's Basketball Coach
On Monday afternoon, Lisa Bluder announced her retirement from coaching after 40 years as a collegiate head coach, including 24 years at the University of Iowa. The University of Iowa Athletic Department also announced that associate head coach Jan Jensen will be elevated to the head coach position. Jensen becomes the program’s sixth head coach and has 30 years of coaching experience, including 24 years at Iowa and eight years at Drake.
Statement from Athletic Director Beth Goetz provided by University of Iowa Athletics
“I am thrilled to share with you that current Associate Head Coach Jan Jensen has agreed to become the next P. Sue Beckwith, MD, Head Women’s Basketball Coach. This program has always been about family, and the contributions to its incredible culture are shared by alums, current, student-athletes and the entire staff. One of those contributors has been in the team circle for 24 years as a tireless recruiter, skilled teacher of the game, and charismatic personality that has endeared her to the Hawkeye community. Coach Jensen has been an instrumental part of our success, assisting in all aspects of the program. After several conversations with Coach Bluder and President Wilson over the last few days, it is clear that everything that we are seeking in a head coach, we have found right here.”
Statement from Jan Jensen provided by University of Iowa Athletics
“I have been so blessed to have enjoyed an incredible ride with Lisa. That ride started when I was her player and continued for 33 years as I had the privilege to work alongside of her. I can’t thank Lisa enough for her mentorship, leadership, and most of all her friendship. I am so proud of all we accomplished and grateful for all the memories we created,” Jensen said. “I am now beyond elated to begin my new role and want to thank President Wilson and Beth for the opportunity to lead this program. I truly love The University of Iowa and I am profoundly honored and excited to continue building on our success. The support we have in every realm from our administration, donors, alumni and fans is unmatched and I am so proud to be a part of this special university.”
Statement from Lisa Bluder on the hiring of Jensen provided by University of Iowa Athletics
“It has been the honor of my career to be a part of the Iowa Hawkeye family, and to lead a women’s basketball program filled with so many talented and remarkable young women, who have gone on to do great things in their careers and, more importantly, in their lives,” said Bluder. “There is no better person to lead this program than Jan Jensen and I am thrilled she will have the opportunity to build on the foundation established. I’m committed to help her, and her staff, in whatever capacity they need moving forward.”
Jan Jensen began her coaching career at Drake in 1993 as an assistant to Lisa Bluder. The two helped guide the Bulldogs to three Missouri Valley regular season championships and four MVC Tournament championships.
She has been widely known as one of the best post coaches in the country, with nine players earning 20 All-Big Ten honors, including seven First Team All-Big Ten honors over her time at Iowa. Jensen has also been a huge part of the Hawkeyes ability to bring in some of the best recruiting classes in the country.
Jan played her college ball under Lisa Bluder at Drake University from 1987-91. As a senior in ’91, She led the nation in scoring and was named Gateway Conference MVP and Kodak Honorable Mention All-American. Jensen is one of just two Drake players to have their number retired in the Knapp Center.
