Iowa Basketball Legends Bluder, Jensen Watch Caitlin Clark's Fever Lose to Valkyries

Two of Iowa's most celebrated basketball figures made a special trip to Indianapolis to watch Caitlin Clark, but the night ended in disappointment as the Indiana Fever fell 88-75 to the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Former Iowa Women's Basketball Head Coach Lisa Bluder and current Coach Jan Jensen were in the crowd Wednesday, drawing attention from the WNBA itself before the game even started.

Photo: EssentiallySports

WNBA Spotlights Iowa Coaches in Attendance

The league's official social media account posted: “Hawkeyes representing for tonight's game. Former Iowa Women's Basketball Head Coach Lisa Bluder and current Coach Jan Jensen are in Indy for the Fever vs Valks!”

Cameras captured both coaches smiling, waving, and blowing kisses to the crowd. Their trip was no last-minute decision. Jensen shared an Instagram Story hours before tip-off showing the two mid-flight with the caption: “Wheels up to see @caitlinclark22... with a few good friends and goat emoji coach!”

Commentator Jason Whitlock also praised Bluder on social media, calling her “might be the greatest coach in the history of women's basketball.”

Caitlin Clark's Rough Night on the Court

That buildup made Clark's actual performance sting more. Playing 26 minutes, Clark shot just 4-of-14 from the field and 1-of-8 from three, finishing with 13 points and six assists. Golden State's length and constant traps kept her from finding a rhythm. A late basket was wiped out by a shot-clock violation as the Valkyries pushed their lead to 80-65 in the fourth quarter. Clark grew visibly frustrated by a non-call and continued voicing that frustration after the final buzzer.

Indiana's other stars couldn't compensate. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 20 points and Aliyah Boston added 15, but the trio combined for just 48 points against a Golden State defense ranked first in the league. Gabby Williams led six Valkyries players in double figures with 16 points. The win extended Golden State's streak to eight straight, a new franchise record, capping a perfect five-game road trip.

Bluder's Lasting Impact on Clark

That gap between the reunion's hype and the box score's reality highlights the enduring bond between Clark and her former coach. Clark once called herself “lucky” to be coached by Bluder.

After leading Iowa to a second straight national title game appearance in 2024, Clark went No. 1 overall to the Fever. Bluder retired following 24 seasons at the helm. But the distance never stopped Clark from crediting her.

“I think she's one of the best leaders I've been around. She values every single person in her program from top to bottom,” Clark said, sitting beside Bluder at a press conference. “I'm just lucky to be coached by her.”

Later that year, Clark reshared an Iowa Women's Basketball post featuring Bluder with the caption: “Runs the city.”

All-Star Honors for Fever Trio

The same day brought more good news. Clark, Boston, and Mitchell were all named 2026 All-Star starters, the most of any team in the league. However, the league's new draft format split them across different squads. Clark said she “would've liked if we were all together” but knew it was unlikely, adding, “I love that I got AB with me.”

What's Next for the Fever

Indiana gets a quick chance to respond to Wednesday's loss, hosting Seattle on July 17 before a stretch that includes New York on July 18 and Connecticut on July 22. For Iowa fans, the sight of Bluder and Jensen in the stands remains a reminder of the Hawkeye basketball legacy that continues to shape the WNBA.

FAQ

Why were Lisa Bluder and Jan Jensen at the Fever game?

They traveled to Indianapolis specifically to watch former Iowa star Caitlin Clark play for the Indiana Fever, showing continued support for their former player.

How did Caitlin Clark perform in the game?

Clark struggled, shooting 4-of-14 from the field and 1-of-8 from three, finishing with 13 points and six assists in a 88-75 loss to the Golden State Valkyries.

What did Caitlin Clark say about Lisa Bluder?

Clark has called Bluder “one of the best leaders I've been around” and said she was “lucky to be coached by her.”