When it comes to basketball and coaching, there are few better experts than Lisa Bluder, who has coached the sport for 40 years. Her journey leading from the sidelines first started in 1984, when she became the St. Ambrose University women’s basketball team coach a year after graduating college. Her time with the Queen Bees proved to be successful, as she led the team to four consecutive national tournaments and two Final Four placements. After six years of coaching at St. Ambrose University, Bluder took over as coach for the Drake University Bulldogs. Fortunately, her change of teams was worthwhile. Over the course of 10 years, the Iowa native had a considerable hand in revitalizing the team, leading them to not one but five consecutive 20-win seasons.
When discussing her career success in 2013, Bluder told Corridor Business that coaching has become a way of life for her. She also compared the job to running a business, stating that coaching is more than just leading a team to victory; it’s also about creating an enjoyable experience for fans. “I think winning is very important, but it’s not the ultimate. Everyone loves a winner, but also when they get here, it’s important they’re having fun,” she told the news outlet. “Psychologically, there’s a lot to this job. It’s not just about rolling out a basketball.”
