The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) has announced that Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball coach Jan Jensen has been named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Spalding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year Award.
This honor recognizes an outstanding first-year head coach who has made a significant impact on their program and the game of women’s basketball.
Jensen’s achievement is a testament to her leadership, vision, and deep understanding of the game. After taking over for legendary coach Lisa Bluder, who retired at the end of the 2023–24 season, Jensen faced the enormous task of maintaining Iowa’s momentum after one of the most successful periods in the program’s history. Rather than simply sustaining success, Jensen elevated the Hawkeyes to even greater heights, leading them to another stellar season filled with thrilling victories, top national rankings, and a strong postseason run.
Throughout the season, Jensen’s team demonstrated resilience, discipline, and a dynamic style of play that captivated fans nationwide. Under her guidance, the Hawkeyes displayed a balanced offensive attack, a commitment to tough defense, and an unwavering team-first mentality. Jensen’s ability to blend experienced players with emerging talent helped Iowa remain one of the most feared and respected programs in women’s college basketball.
What makes Jensen’s accomplishment even more impressive is her longstanding dedication to the Iowa program. Before stepping into the head coaching role, she spent over two decades as an assistant and associate head coach under Bluder, helping to build the culture of excellence that defines Iowa basketball today. Her experience, relationships with players, and knowledge of the Big Ten Conference gave her a unique advantage in seamlessly transitioning to the top job.
The Spalding Maggie Dixon Rookie Coach of the Year Award is named in honor of the late Maggie Dixon, who served as head coach at Army and tragically passed away after an extraordinary rookie coaching season. The award celebrates those who, like Dixon, make an immediate and positive impact on their teams and the sport. Jensen’s selection reflects the tremendous respect she has earned across the country and her remarkable success in her first season as a head coach.
Jensen was quick to share credit for the honor. In a statement released by the WBCA, she expressed gratitude to her players, coaching staff, and the entire Iowa community. “This award is a reflection of the incredible people around me,” she said. “I am so proud of what we accomplished together, and I’m honored to represent the University of Iowa and our amazing fans. I am forever grateful to Lisa Bluder for her mentorship and for trusting me with this program’s future.”
As Jensen looks ahead, expectations will continue to be high in Iowa City. But if her first season is any indication, the Hawkeyes are in excellent hands. With her energy, passion, and commitment to the values that have long defined Iowa women’s basketball, Jan Jensen’s future — and that of her program — looks extraordinarily bright.
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