Former Iowa Star Megan Gustafson Marries, Gets Heartfelt Nod from Hawkeyes Coach Jan Jensen
By John Damon | Just The News Iowa
Iowa basketball royalty Megan Gustafson tied the knot this week, and her former University of Iowa coach Jan Jensen was there to celebrate the moment. The bond between the Hawkeyes legend and her longtime mentor remains as strong as ever, even years after Gustafson left Iowa City for the pros.
A Coach's Blessing
Jensen took to social media to congratulate Gustafson and her new husband, David DiLeo, on their wedding day.
“What a special day! Congrats @GustafsonMeg10 & @Daviddileo14,” Jensen wrote. “The day was just as spectacular as you two are! It was a joy to see your smiles & feel all the love surrounding you! Love you both... God bless!”
The post reflects a relationship that goes back to Gustafson's time as a Hawkeye from 2015 to 2019. During those years, Jensen served as associate head coach and helped mold Gustafson into one of the most decorated players in program history.
From Iowa City to the Pros
Gustafson, a native of Port Wing, Wisconsin, became a Naismith College Player of the Year in 2019 and is one of only three Hawkeye players to have her jersey retired. Jensen, who took over as head coach in May 2024, has spoken highly of Gustafson's character.
“I could talk about Megan for a week. She was the type of impacting person, not just player. The most impressive thing about her ride was that she never changed. She was as humble and hardworking her last day at Iowa as her first day,” Jensen told The Athletic.
Gustafson now plays for the Portland Fire in the WNBA, where she is having a career-best season averaging 12.2 points per game. She also won a WNBA championship in 2025.
A Basketball Family
Gustafson's husband, David DiLeo, is also a professional basketball player. A native of Iowa City, DiLeo played college ball at Central Michigan University and has spent most of his professional career overseas with teams like Le Mans in France and Bahcesehir Koleji in Turkey.
The couple's wedding was celebrated by the entire Portland Fire organization. Teammates and head coach Alex Sarama shared warm wishes in a video montage.
“Huge congratulations. We're so delighted for you. Enjoy your special day and all the best,” Sarama said.
Guard Sarah Ashlee Barker added:
“I'm so happy for you, and I cannot wait to see what the next journey of life is for you. You deserve this, and I love you.”
Iowa Values on Display
The story of Megan Gustafson is a testament to the values Iowans hold dear: hard work, humility, and loyalty. From her days as a walk-on at Iowa to becoming a national player of the year and now a WNBA champion, Gustafson has never forgotten her roots. Her enduring relationship with Coach Jensen shows that the bonds formed in Iowa last a lifetime.