"We love our newbies SO much": Iowa HC Jan Jensen teases exciting women's basketball season with a special promise to fans 

Jan Jensen is getting used to not having Lisa Bluder’s voice or Caitlin Clark’s high-arcing 3s on the court. The coming year becomes more crucial for Jensen as she finds herself at the top of the pyramid, coaching and leading a new-face Iowa Hawkeyes.

Nevertheless, Jensen recently took a moment out to appreciate the newcomers on her squad. As Hawkeyes assistant coach Abby Emmert Stamp posted an image of the freshmen in celebration after a great summer, Jensen reposted the same on her Instagram with an inviting message for fans.

"We love our newbies SO much... you will, too!" Jensen said.

Jan Jensen's IG story from August 1

Jensen's belief in her new roster comes through her scouting and recruiting acumen, which worked wonders for the Hawkeyes in recent years. Moreover, she has worked closely with several program stars in the past, which allows her to foresee the potential growth and possible hurdles for her first head coaching role.

There are five new faces in Jansen's first class of freshmen, Teagan Mallegni, Callie Levin, Aaliyah Guyton, Ava Heiden and Taylor Stremlow. With that, the 2024-25 Hawkeyes' starting lineup could look like this:

• Lucy Olsen (Guard - Graduate)
• Sydney Affolter (Guard - Senior)
• Taylor McCabe (Guard - Junior)
• Hannah Stuelke (Forward - Junior)
• Ava Heiden (Center - Freshman)

Jan Jensen's coaching stint came at a perfect time for the Hawkeyes

Just like Lisa Bluder, Jensen has been with the Hawkeyes since 2000. Over the two decades, she has been offered multiple coaching offers, some of which could have allowed her to get out of Bluder’s tutelage and lead her own team. However, she decided to remain with the Hawkeyes throughout.

It is one of the reasons that Jensen landed the open coaching spot and is celebrated by Iowa fans despite being new to a head coaching role.

Moreover, the timing sits perfectly for the program as it enters a period of transition, allowing Jensen enough room and time to experiment and find her footing as a leader.

Jan Jensen undoubtedly has huge shoes to fill, as Bluder was the winningest coach in the program and Big Ten conference history. Nevertheless, Jensen worked with Bluder for over 30 years and was a core member of their coaching staff, giving her a major headstart and making her possibly the perfect successor.