Dec. 4, 2006
Where is your family’s favorite vacation spot and why?
“Kiawah Island in South Carolina – it is so peaceful, beautiful and exciting. We love wading in the ocean and visiting Charleston. Of course Disneyland is also a regular stop for the Bluder Bunch.”
If you could compete on any game show (past or present), which would it be and why?
“Family Feud or The Dating Game – after knowing my husband for almost 30 years now, we would shine!”
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
“It’s been known that the coaching staff may `need’ a chocolate cookie as part of pre-game meal. Otherwise, I need to see that my family is safe and in the first row for games in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.”
Which game stands out since coaching the Hawkeyes?
“I would have to say that beating Purdue in the championship of the Big Ten Tournament in 2001 is a game that I will never forget.”
What song would you sing to win a karaoke contest and why?
“Delta Dawn. I can really bellow that one!”
Which actress would you pick to play you in a movie about your life and why?
“Meg Ryan. Who wouldn’t want Meg Ryan to portray you in a movie? She makes everyone look good!”
Do you have any impulse buys when you are at the store? If so, what are they?
“I don’t shop that often, so anytime I buy something it is impulse.”
Do you have any phobias, if so which one(s)?
“I don’t like snakes, but I am trying to conquer that one.”
Other than basketball, what is your favorite sport to watch?
“I loved to play softball when I was in high school, but watching a football game at Kinnick Stadium is always a blast!”
What was your first job as a child? Did you like it?
“My grandparents owned grocery store in Westgate, Iowa, and I would love to bag groceries. I think I paid in 3 Muskateers candy bars and a grape pop! My first real job was when I was in high school, they hired the girl athletes to be on a paint crew – it was tough work, but I was with my best friends so we made it fun.”
What is your favorite sitcom rerun to watch?
“Right now it is Seinfeld and Everybody Loves Raymond. Growing up I was completely hooked on I Love Lucy!”
What is the most bizarre food you have ever eaten?
“When I was a kid, my family was visiting relatives in England and my Aunt served us cow tongue as a lunch meat for our sandwiches. My mom tried to tell me it was roast beef… I still haven’t forgiven her for that one!”
Roughly, when did you know or realize you wanted to become a collegiate coach?
“My senior year in college. There was little opportunity to get into coaching then, so I tried to stay involved in other ways, coaching camps, officiating and evaluating officials. I was truly blessed to get to be a head college coach when I was 23-years old. Long story, but sometimes being in the right place and the right time is the key!”
What is your favorite holiday and why?
“Christmas because the families get together and I usually get a couple days off in the middle of the season, which is much needed. Plus, I love singing Christmas carols. We usually work over Thanksgiving, New Years, Easter and the 4th of July, so that doesn’t leave me with too many Holidays to choose from.”