SAMANTHA AND ONE
Lisa Bluder
P. SUE BECKWITH, MD, HEAD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH
Know More About Lisa Bluder
Lisa Bluder is in her 24th year as the P. Sue Beckwith, MD, Head Women’s Basketball Coach. The position was endowed in 2021 by P. Sue Beckwith, MD, one of UI athletics’ most generous supporters. Sue Beckwith was a four-year letter winner with Iowa Women’s Basketball (1976-1980) and has earned three UI degrees; 1980 BS, 1984 MD, and 2015 MBA.
As the all-time winningest coach in program history, the Hawkeyes have advanced to 21 postseason appearances (17 NCAA and four WNIT) in 23 seasons, including NCAA Tournament berths in 13 of the last 15 seasons. Iowa advanced to the postseason in 15 consecutive seasons (13 NCAA and two WNIT) when a postseason tournament was held. The 2020 pandemic cut the 2019-20 season short, resulting in the sole missed tournament season..
In her illustrious career as a coach, Lisa Bluder has observed several aspects of the game that could be improved upon, most notably shooting and ball handling. Despite being a coach who prioritizes shooting, she maintains that players can never work on it enough. Considering that even the most proficient shooters miss half their shots, continuous refinement of this skill is crucial. In tandem with shooting, she stresses the significance of improving ball handling abilities, contributing to a well-rounded player.
Having transitioned from being a basketball player to a coach, Lisa admits that her perspectives on the sport have significantly changed. Her coaching approach evolves each year as she adapts to the unique strengths and weaknesses of her team. This flexibility in philosophy and strategy is essential, as she recognizes the need for a tailored approach that best complements the team's capabilities. Consequently, her understanding of how the game should be played varies annually, showcasing her commitment to adaptability and growth in coaching.
Lisa's favorite aspect of coaching at Iowa is the opportunity to interact with the remarkable women on her team. She deeply values the relationships she builds with her players and the shared experiences that come with guiding these talented individuals on their journey in both basketball and life.