Caitlin Clark, Lisa Bluder, Jan Jensen (Image Credit: IMAGN)

Caitlin Clark, Lisa Bluder, Jan Jensen (Image Credit: IMAGN)

If there is one trait Caitlin Clark is specifically known for, it is her competitiveness. She carries this trait even during practice and can sometimes cause problems for the coaching staff.

Iowa coach Jan Jensen recalled Clark’s time with the Hawkeyers, specifically her relationship with coach Lisa Bluder, during an interview on Talkin’ Hawks with The VandeBergs podcast.

“Where (Bluder) she was at in her career and getting a Caitlin, I think that’s why she was great with [her],” Jensen said. “I think her and Caitlin just had this amazing relationship. I mean, it wasn’t always easy. She kicked her out of practice, gave her a tea and there were those things.

 

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“But there was that mutual respect and true love, and they’re really wired very much the same in their competitive spirit. But when Lisa was younger, you’re a little more spitfire and like, you know, really a lot more intense. As you know all the years of which you have experiences to manage people and coach people and know which buttons to press, I think that it was just the right time for us to be able to get Caitlin.

“I think Lisa’s temperament and her value just set of experiences really helped Caitlyn become all that she could be here so as you. And that was fun to see their relationship also blossom,” she added.

After 24 years of coaching the Iowa Hawkeyes, Lisa Bluder announced her retirement in May. She led the Hawkeyes to five Big Ten tournament titles and two back-to-back NCAA Finals appearances.

After four years in college, Caitlin Clark declared for the 2024 WNBA draft and was picked first overall by the Indiana Fever.

Caitlin Clark wins Best College Athlete Women’s Sports at ESPY

Caitlin Clark was nominated for three 2024 ESPY Awards on Thursday: Best College Athlete-Women’s Sports, Best Record-Breaking Performance for becoming the NCAA’s all-time scorer, and Best Athlete in Women’s Sports.

Clark won the first two and lost the third one to Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson. However, since the guard is currently playing for the Fever, she was not able to receive the award in person. In a virtual message, the rookie said:

“I just wanted to say thank you for this recognition. Obviously, I could not be there tonight. I’m a little bit busy in Indianapolis. This award means a lot not only to myself but to my teammates and coaches that I had at the University of Iowa. It’s special for all of us and it was a special year in women’s athletics. Thank you, ESPN.”

Clark is carrying her historic performances in college into the WNBA, as she became the first rookie to score a triple-double. She is also driving up viewership numbers, bringing more attention to the WNBA.