Lisa Bluder was born on April 16, 1961, in the United States. She grew up in Marion, Iowa, where she attended Linn-Mar High School. During her time there, Bluder showed a strong passion and talent for basketball, setting the stage for her future career in the sport.
After graduating from high school, Bluder went on to attend the University of Northern Iowa, where she continued to excel as a basketball player. It was during her time at UNI that she discovered her love for coaching, a path that would ultimately lead her to great success in the world of women's basketball.
Bluder's coaching career began at Drake University, where she spent ten seasons leading the women's basketball team to new heights. Her success at Drake caught the attention of the University of Iowa, where she was ultimately hired as the head coach of the women's basketball team. Under her leadership, the Iowa Hawkeyes achieved remarkable success, culminating in a historic appearance in the 2022-23 NCAA women's basketball national championship game.
In addition to her coaching roles at Drake University and the University of Iowa, Bluder also spent six seasons coaching at St. Ambrose University. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her exceptional coaching abilities and her dedication to the development of young athletes.
Bluder's coaching prowess extends beyond the collegiate level, as she has also had the opportunity to coach on the international stage. In 1999, she served as an assistant coach for the USA representative at the World University Games in Spain. Her experience and expertise were further showcased in 2015, when she was selected as the head coach of the U.S.A. women's basketball team at the Pan American Games.
Off the court, Bluder finds joy and fulfillment in her family life. She is married to David Bluder, and together they have three children: Hannah, Emma, and David. Despite the demands of her coaching career and her busy schedule, Bluder always makes time for her family, emphasizing the importance of balance and nurturing relationships outside of basketball.
Throughout her career, Lisa Bluder has had a profound impact on the world of women's basketball. She has coached and mentored some of the brightest stars in the sport, including Breanna Stewart and Moriah Jefferson. Bluder's dedication to her players' development, both on and off the court, has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and fans alike.
As she continues to inspire and lead the next generation of athletes, Lisa Bluder remains a shining example of excellence in coaching and a true ambassador for women's basketball.
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