Bluder Signs Contract Extension

Dec. 26, 2013

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Lisa Bluder has agreed to a one-year contract extension that secures her as head coach of the women’s basketball program at the University of Iowa through the 2019 basketball season, UI Director of Athletics Gary Barta announced Thursday.

“Lisa Bluder has been a tremendous leader and mentor of the Hawkeye women’s basketball program for many years,” said Barta. “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 is one of 13 active Division I coaches with 600 or more wins and has coached the Hawkeyes to the NCAA Tournament in each of the last six seasons. Iowa is the only Big Ten team and one of 13 nationally, to qualify for the NCAA Tournament in each of the last six years.

“I feel honored that Gary (Barta) has entrusted me to lead this program well into the future,” said Bluder. “I look forward to continuing to strive for success on and off of the floor. I am proud to be a part of the Hawkeye family.”

Bluder, a Marion, Iowa native, is in her 14th season as Iowa’s head coach and her 30th year overall. Under her direction, the Hawkeyes have advanced to 12 postseason appearances (10 NCAA and two WNIT). Bluder needs eight wins to surpass Hall of Famer C. Vivian Stringer (269) as Iowa’s all-time winningest coach. Bluder is 262-159 all-time as the Hawkeye head coach.

The dean of Big Ten coaches, Bluder is a three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year (2001, 2008 and 2010) and two-time WBCA Regional Coach of the Year (2001 and 2008).

With Bluder on the Iowa sidelines, student-athletes have been named Academic All-Big Ten 62 times, including a program-best eight honorees in 2011 and 2012.

Bluder and the Hawkeyes are off to an 11-2 start this season. No. 21 Iowa concludes its nonconference schedule Saturday, hosting North Dakota on Mediacom Court at Carver-Hawkeye Arena at 2 p.m. (CT).