Caitlin Clark Celebrates Former Iowa Coach With Three-Word Comment.
Retired coach Lisa Bluder was honored during the football game between Iowa and Illinois State on August 31 at Kinnick Stadium, and Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark was all for it.
Bluder, who coached Iowa for 24 years before retiring in May 2024, was serenaded with loud cheers when she took the field during a break in the first half of the Hawkeyes’ season opener.
The Instagram account of the Iowa women’s basketball team posted a picture of Bluder during the tribute. This received a reaction from Clark, who starred for the Hawkeyes.
“Runs the city,” the 22-year-old guard commented on the post.
Bluder handed the keys to Clark during her four-year stint at Iowa. She blossomed into a bona fide stud, averaging 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.5 steals during her college career while also electrifying the women’s game.
Under Bluder’s tutelage, Clark also set the all-time scoring NCAA record, in both men’s and women’s, with 3,951 points.
The 63-year-old Bluder stepped down as a five-time Big Ten champion coach, including three straight titles with Clark. Bluder also steered the Hawkeyes to back-to-back championship appearances in the NCAA Tournament in 2023 and 2024.
She was replaced by her longtime deputy, Jan Jensen.
As Clark pointed out, Bluder will always be beloved in Iowa. Her passion and leadership fostered a positive team culture and prepared her players for life beyond basketball.
During her retirement announcement, Bluder said coaching the Hawkeyes was “the honor of a lifetime.”
During the halftime tribute at the football game between Iowa and Illinois State on August 31, retired coach Lisa Bluder was celebrated for her remarkable 24-year coaching career at Iowa. The crowd at Kinnick Stadium erupted in cheers as Bluder made her way onto the field, showing their appreciation for the impact she had on the Hawkeyes program.One person who was especially vocal in her support of Bluder was Indiana Fever rookie standout Caitlin Clark. The former Iowa star took to social media to express her admiration for her former coach, commenting on a post from the Iowa women’s basketball team with three simple words: “Runs the city.” This brief but powerful statement speaks volumes about the influence Bluder had on Clark during her time at Iowa.Under Bluder’s guidance, Clark blossomed into a dominant force on the court, setting records and leading the Hawkeyes to multiple Big Ten championships. Bluder’s coaching style, characterized by passion and leadership, not only shaped Clark into a standout player but also prepared her for success both on and off the court.As Bluder transitions into retirement and passes the torch to her successor, Jan Jensen, her legacy at Iowa will always be remembered. The impact she had on her players, including stars like Caitlin Clark, goes beyond wins and losses – it’s about creating a positive team culture and empowering young athletes to succeed in all aspects of life.Bluder’s dedication to the Hawkeyes program was truly “the honor of a lifetime,” as she mentioned in her retirement announcement. Her contributions to Iowa women’s basketball will never be forgotten, and her influence will continue to inspire future generations of players. Cheers to Coach Bluder, a true legend in the world of college basketball.
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Source: Tampa Bay Times
