Lisa Bluder Retires as Iowa Women's Basketball Coach
Legendary Coach Steps Down After 24 Seasons
Big Ten's All-Time Coaching Wins Leader Announces Retirement
Iowa women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder is retiring after 24 seasons with the Hawkeyes. The 63-year-old Bluder retires as the all-time Big Ten coaching wins leader with a 528-254 record at Iowa. She led the Hawkeyes to the NCAA championship games in 2019 and 2021.
Bluder's announcement comes after a successful season in which the Hawkeyes finished 24-9 overall and 13-5 in the Big Ten. They earned a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Sweet 16 before losing to Creighton.
"This was not an easy decision, but it is the right time for me to step down as the head coach of the Iowa women's basketball team," Bluder said in a statement. "I am so grateful for the opportunity to have coached at Iowa for 24 seasons. I will always cherish the memories and relationships I have made here."
Bluder leaves behind a legacy of success in Iowa City. She won 10 Big Ten regular season championships and nine Big Ten Tournament titles. She was named Big Ten Coach of the Year six times.
Bluder's retirement is a significant loss for Iowa women's basketball. She is one of the most successful coaches in program history and has helped make the Hawkeyes a perennial contender in the Big Ten and nationally.
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