What is your level of excitement right now, post-Catilin Clark and Lisa Bluder? What does that mean to you knowing the fanbase is still wanting to watch Iowa women’s basketball?
“I can get a little choked up thinking about it. I did the day they told me. I remember a year ago, when we were in Croatia a year ago, when we got the text from Beth Goetz that we sold out and it was just a moment. I think any coach here would tell you that if you’re arena sells out, even for just one game, it’s a moment. Last year, when we got that news, we reflected back on all those times that we started, years ago. Lisa and I worked together for 32 years and we talked to every group, Rotary Club, church basements, and groups asking them to come watch our team. So, that was such a moment and of course, the ride last year. In recruiting and just public opinion, with will they stay or is it just Caitlin? I think that was really just an injustice of what was done before. Sam Logic really got it rolling with the Sweet 16 team then we rolled into the Megan Gustafson era and we played in the Elite Eight with her and she played in front of ten to twelve thousand, and then we had Kathleen Doyle, who was the Big Ten Player of the Year and we had big crowds. Unfortunately, that senior year, for Kathleen was COVID, and then enter Caitlin. We’re seeing that those of our fans who have been there, boy, they’ve been there, and they’ve stayed and invited others to come, and now people are sticking with us. For me, as a first year coach, I couldn’t be more thankful. I feel really proud of all that has been built and I feel like moving forward, the standard that has been set, that’s the thing that keeps me up at night is really wanting to continue that. What makes Iowa so special, is that everybody has been along for the ride. Fans have been along for the ride and you want to continue to have a product of which is worthy for people to really be proud of being along for the ride. To take over the reigns of that, I know what that took because I was part of building it and now I hope we can continue. I’m grateful and I’m aware of the responsibility that comes with maintaining that.”
