- The unexpected news hit Iowa’s basketball world like a storm on Thursday morning: Jan Jensen, assistant coach for the Iowa
Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, had turned down the prestigious NCAA Coach of the Month award. The honor, which is usually a badge of pride for coaches who lead their teams to remarkable success, left fans and insiders alike perplexed at Jensen’s decision to refuse the recognition. The move also caused ripples through the Iowa program, especially among those who had worked with her for years, including her former head coach, Lisa Bluder.
For those who followed Iowa basketball, Jan Jensen was no stranger to success. As an assistant coach under Lisa Bluder for over a decade, she had helped lead the Hawkeyes to multiple NCAA tournaments, producing some of the best players in program history. But it was this decision to forgo the award that raised eyebrows across the sport.
In a statement, Jensen explained, “I’m proud of what our team has accomplished, but the success we’ve seen this season isn’t mine alone. This is a team effort, and the award should go to the players, the entire coaching staff, and the incredible support staff that makes everything we do possible. I’m just doing my part.”
The announcement stunned Lisa Bluder, who had worked alongside Jensen for years. As the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Bluder had watched Jensen grow from an assistant into a key figure on the team. Though they had always been a unified front, Jensen’s refusal to accept personal accolades left Bluder speechless.
“I respect Jan’s humility, but I think she deserves all the recognition in the world,” Bluder remarked when interviewed by local media. “She’s a driving force behind this program. Every success we’ve had is in part because of her dedication, her vision, and the way she helps develop these players.”
Bluder, who had spent much of her career carving out a legacy as one of the top women’s basketball coaches in the country, said she found it hard to accept that her longtime colleague wouldn’t embrace her well-earned praise. Bluder’s comment echoed the sentiments of many fans and fellow coaches who saw Jensen’s decision as an act of selflessness but also a reflection of her understated approach to coaching.
The Iowa program had seen a remarkable season, led by standout players like Caitlin Clark, who had been dominating the college basketball scene with impressive performances. Many of the Hawkeye’s victories had been attributed to the strong leadership of both Bluder and Jensen. Yet, Jensen’s decision to decline the award sent a different message—one that prioritized the collective effort over individual achievement.
Several former players, including those who had played under Bluder, took to social media to express their gratitude for Jensen’s contributions to their development, both as athletes and people. “Jan Jensen doesn’t want the spotlight, but she’s always been the kind of coach who puts you first,” said former Hawkeye guard Megan Gustafson, now a WNBA player. “It’s just who she is.”
While the move was unconventional, it also highlighted the values that had been instilled within the Iowa basketball program—humility, teamwork, and a sense of unity. The decision was met with both admiration and confusion, as fans wondered whether such selflessness might ultimately hinder the recognition a coach like Jensen deserved. The NCAA Coach of the Month award may have been denied, but the respect Jensen commanded from her peers, players, and former colleagues was undeniable.
“I think it speaks volumes about her character,” Bluder added, after a moment of reflection. “But let’s be clear—Jan Jensen deserves every accolade that comes her way. I just wish she would accept them.”
As the season continues, the Iowa Hawkeyes remain focused on their ultimate goal: competing for a national title. And whether or not Jan Jensen accepts future awards, one thing is certain—her impact on the team and the program will forever be remembered.
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