Jan Jensen’s promotion to Iowa head women’s basketball coach: ‘She deserves this, and she’s ready for it’

IOWA CITY — Seamless. The perfect succession.

That’s how those closest to the program see the hiring of Jan Jensen as the next women’s basketball coach at the University of Iowa.

“It’s the perfect succession line, in my opinion,” said Monika Czinano, who blossomed as a post under Jensen’s tutelage. “She’s one of the main reasons for my development.”

Jensen, 55, was named as head coach Monday afternoon, mere minutes after Iowa released the surprise announcement of Lisa Bluder’s retirement.

“I am thrilled to share ... that (Jensen) has agreed to become the next head coach,” Iowa athletics director Beth Goetz said in a statement.

“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.”

That’s Jensen.

“I love Jan to death,” said Megan Gustafson, 2019 women’s basketball national player of the year. “She deserves this, and she’s ready for it.”

Jensen will be formally introduced at a press conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

“I have been so blessed to have enjoyed an incredible ride with Lisa,” Jensen said Monday in a statement from the university. “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 has been Bluder’s chief recruiter and post developer. Now, she steps to the top of the podium.

A native of Kimballton, Iowa, Jensen was a prolific scorer for Elk Horn-Kimballton, averaging nearly 66 points per game in six-player basketball.

She was an All-American at Drake University, from which she graduated in 1991. Her jersey is retired at Drake.

Jensen’s senior season at Drake coincided with Bluder’s first year as head coach, then she joined Bluder’s staff. The two of them, and assistant Jenni Fitzgerald, left for Iowa in 2000.

In addition to her other duties, Jensen’s warm personality has made her a natural fit to be “the good cop” on the staff.

“That’s definitely safe to say,” Czinano said. “Lisa and Jan had a great dynamic together.”

Now, Bluder has departed and Jensen slides down a chair to the front of the bench.

“She’s ready for it,” Czinano said.

Jensen inherits — well, she was instrumental in assembling — a program that has won three straight Big Ten tournaments and has reached two consecutive NCAA finals.

Gone are starters Caitlin Clark, Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall.

Back are veterans like Sydney Affolter and Hannah Stuelke, along with incomers Lucy Olsen (a transfer from Villanova) and a highly regarded freshman class.

“To me, it seems like a seamless transition,” said Kathleen Doyle, former Big Ten player of the year (2020).

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Ally Disterhoft, a 2017 Iowa graduate, said, “Coach Bluder gets to go out on such a high note, and at the same time, Coach J stepping in ... it seems like a win-win for everyone.”

Jensen and her spouse, Julie Fitzpatrick, have a son, Jack, and a daughter, Janie.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com