Iowa History Daily: On April 7, 2000, the University of Iowa announced Lisa Bluder as the head coach for Hawkeye women’s basketball. A standout player at Linn-Mar and the University of Northern Iowa, Bluder continues to lead the Hawkeyes to new heights.
Following a successful high school career at Linn-Mar, Bluder headed to Cedar Falls where she appeared in 108 games for the UNI Panthers. Averaging 9.6 points and 4.8 rebounds, the Panthers piled up a 57-30 record during her playing career. When her playing days ended, Bluder started her coaching career at St. Ambrose University in Davenport.
Bluder led the Bees to a 169-36 record over six seasons which included four national tournaments and back-to-back NAIA Final Four appearances. Bluder then headed to Des Moines to lead Drake where she compiled a 187-106 record, led the Bulldogs to five 20-win seasons in her final six years, and coached current Iowa Associate Head Coach Jan Jensen.
Hired by Iowa in 2000, Coach Bluder ushered in a new era of success for Iowa women’s hoops. The all-time program wins leader, Bluder’s 716-358 record combines with her previous success to rank her 14th all-time in NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball. A resume rich with honors including “Big Ten Dean of Coaches” and awards like “Carol Eckman Award” stands secondary to the legacy of thoughtful leadership Bluder continues to build at Iowa over the decades. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar
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