BREAKING NEWS! Excitement Hits Carver–Hawkeye Arena as Former Head Coach Lisa Bluder Announces $7.8 Million Donation to the Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball Team

BREAKING NEWS: Excitement Hits Carver–Hawkeye Arena as Former Head Coach Lisa Bluder Announces $7.8 Million Donation to the Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball Team

 

Iowa City, IA – A wave of excitement and gratitude swept through Carver–Hawkeye Arena today as legendary former Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder announced

an unprecedented $7.8 million donation to the program she helped elevate to national prominence. The announcement, made during a special press conference at the arena, marks one of the most significant private contributions in University of Iowa athletics history and is set to transform the future of women’s basketball in the state.

 

Lisa Bluder, who retired in May 2024 after 24 years at the helm, is widely credited with building the Hawkeyes into a perennial powerhouse and fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and community. Her donation reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to the program, its players, and its mission to inspire the next generation of women athletes.

 

“Iowa has given me more than I could have ever imagined,” Bluder said during her remarks. “It’s where I’ve built my career, watched young women grow into leaders, and shared unforgettable moments with fans, families, and this incredible community. This gift is about ensuring that tradition continues to grow and flourish.”

 

The $7.8 million donation will be used to fund a series of initiatives, including state-of-the-art training facilities, scholarships, wellness and mental health services, and an endowed coaching development fund designed to support and mentor up-and-coming women coaches within the program. University officials say a portion of the funds will also go toward renovations at Carver–Hawkeye Arena, further enhancing the game-day experience for fans and players alike.

 

Athletic Director Beth Goetz praised Bluder’s continued impact: “Lisa’s generosity and vision are simply remarkable. Her legacy was already cemented by her accomplishments on the court—Final Four appearances, Big Ten championships, and countless lives touched. Now, her legacy grows even larger through this transformative gift.”

 

The announcement was met with cheers and standing ovations from fans, players, and alumni gathered at the arena. Current head coach Jan Jensen, Bluder’s longtime associate and successor, was visibly moved during the ceremony. “This is Lisa being Lisa—thinking about others, thinking about the future,” Jensen said. “She’s left us with a winning culture, and now she’s investing in its next chapter.”

 

Former players, including WNBA star Caitlin Clark, who played under Bluder during Iowa’s back-to-back national championship runs, took to social media to express admiration and thanks. Clark posted, “Coach Bluder is the GOAT. She believed in us, led with heart, and now she’s ensuring generations to come have the same chance. We love you, Coach!”

 

As the news reverberates across the college basketball world, one thing is clear: Lisa Bluder’s contributions to Iowa women’s basketball are far from over. Her historic donation guarantees that her influence will continue to shape the program’s future, giving young athletes the tools, facilities, and support they need to chase greatness—just as she taught them to do.