Lyrical Logic

When the University of Iowa announced Coach Lisa Bluder’s retirement, I absolutely had a moment. Coach Bluder is one of the greatest coaches, and she has been the face of Iowa Women’s Basketball for all but three years of my life. I spent weekends watching her coach talented young women in Carver Hawkeye Arena, both for wins and losses. Coach Bluder leaves behind a legacy. She leaves behind a program that will continue to thrive under new Head Coach Jan Jensen, who just happens to be the best damn post coach in the nation. And I for one cannot wait to watch it happen.

I knew as soon as I heard the news I wanted to write something. But how can I express what 24 amazing years means? I mean, under Coach Bluder it was made known that Women’s Basketball lives in Iowa City. So many greats were under her leadership. Not only that, but the joy and excitement that comes knowing that Jan Jensen will be taking over. Jan has been a key piece of the team. There is a reason we call her the best post coach in the nation. I can’t spell everyone’s names correctly, but there have been so many greats. Megan Gustafson. Monica. Hannah. Morgan Johnson. And those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head. All amazing post players. All learning from the best.

So, as I sit here in bed, I’m trying to find the words to say. To express my deep gratitude to the women who helped to grow the women’s game. Because while the players carried a lot of the weight, the coaches helped make it possible for them to play on the stage. To Coach Bluder, this one is for you. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for what you’ve done for the community. And thank you for your never ending support of the University of Iowa. I know it wasn’t always easy. But I am, and always will be, a proud member of Bluder’s Bunch.

No one will ever be able to say
Your career wasn't legendary. 
You led us to our first natty,
And then did it again the following year. 
Five B1G Ten Championships.
Naismith Coach of the Year.
844 Career Wins.
You leave a legacy behind,
But not just on the court.
You've inspired many
Young girls and women
Who would have done anything to play for you.
You've been a pillar of the community. 
You've kept promises
You've taken long trips on short turn arounds
To go see young women across the country
To bring them here. 
You helped build the home of Women's Basketball
Inside Carver Hawkeye Arena.
If you ask me
That earns you a place in the history books.
But I think the best thing you've done 
Isn't just for the university.
It's for the state. 
Showing all of our young women
That dreams are always within reach.
That winning isn't the most important thing.
That the girls on the court with you
They are your family. 
And family sticks with family
No matter what.