Lisa Bluder announced her retirement after 24 seasons as Iowa’s women’s basketball head coach. Caitlin Clark responded to her former coach stepping down.

“Simply no one better at building a team. Thank you for believing in me more than anyone,” Clark wrote on social media. “Enjoy retirement, coach. Very much deserved.”

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – FEBRUARY 03: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 03, 2024 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

Bluder retires first in Big Ten victories (528) and 10th in all-time wins (884). She led the Hawkeyes to 18 NCAA tournament appearances, culminating in consecutive trips to the National Championship Game alongside Clark.

Clark and Bluder ended their Iowa careers with an 87-75 title loss to South Carolina last month.

In a letter to Hawkeye Nation, the three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year said she determined she was “ready to step aside” after consulting with her family.

“It has been the honor of my career to be a part of the Iowa Hawkeye family and to lead a women’s basketball program filled with so many talented and remarkable young women, who have gone on to do great things in their careers and, more importantly, in their lives,” Bluder wrote. “There is no denying that this past season was incredible for so many reasons, and we could not have accomplished our achievements without all of you.”

Iowa named associate head coach Jan Jensen, a longtime assistant on Bluder’s staff, the program’s next head coach. Clark fully endorsed the decision.

“The only option there ever was!!! You deserve this more than anyone,” Clark declared. “Can’t wait to watch you lead this program!!!”