Bluder signs 1-year extension

IOWA CITY -- University of Iowa women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder has agreed to a one-year contract extension that runs through the 2018-19 season.

"(Bluder) has been a tremendous leader and mentor of the Hawkeye women's basketball program for many years," said UI Athletics Director Gary Barts. "She is committed to continuing to work toward even more success in the future. We're fortunate and grateful to have Lisa and her family at the University of Iowa."

Bluder said, "I feel honored that (Barta) has entrusted me to lead this program well into the future. I look forward to continuing to strive for success on and off the floor.

"It's no secret that I love being here. I want to be here as long as possible."

A native of Marion and a graduate of Linn-Mar and UNI, Bluder, 52, is in her 14th season at Iowa and her 30th year coaching. Bluder has a 262-159 record at Iowa and needs eight wins to surpass C. Vivian Stringer as the winningest coach at Iowa.

She has taken 10 Iowa teams to the NCAA tournament.

Iowa is 11-2 and ranked 25th in the USA Today poll. The Hawkeyes host North Dakota on Saturday in their non-conference finale.