After an illustrious 32-year career as a member of Lisa Bluder’s coaching staff, assistant coach Jenni Fitzgerald, affectionately known as “Fitz”, has announced her retirement. Fitzgerald’s remarkable tenure includes serving as an associate head coach for four years, an assistant coach for 20 seasons, and an advisor for the Iowa Hawkeyes for four seasons.
Reflecting on her time with the Hawkeyes, Fitzgerald expressed gratitude for the privilege of being part of the Hawkeye family for the past 24 years. She reminisced about the ambitious dreams she, Lisa Bluder, and Jan had when they first set foot on campus – dreams of filling arenas and hoisting trophies. Through the dedication of the women in the program and the support of the Hawkeye community, those dreams transformed into reality.
In a statement, Fitzgerald described her retirement as bittersweet. However, she expressed immense appreciation for the unique opportunity to work alongside her best friends for over three decades. She expressed gratitude for the countless memories and the relationships forged along the way.
Fitzgerald, a 1991 graduate of Drake University, brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the Hawkeyes. During her time at Drake, she excelled as a point guard and served as a three-year captain, demonstrating her natural aptitude for leadership and teamwork.
Lisa Bluder, head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, shared her admiration for Fitzgerald’s contributions over the years. Bluder emphasized Fitzgerald’s exceptional skills as a strategist and coach, highlighting the invaluable partnership they shared both on and off the court. Bluder expressed gratitude for the lifelong friendship they have cultivated and the impact Fitzgerald has made on the program.
As Jenni Fitzgerald embarks on this new chapter in her life, the Iowa Hawkeyes and the basketball community as a whole extend their heartfelt appreciation for her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the success of the team. While her presence on the sidelines will be missed, her legacy and influence will continue to inspire players and coaches for years to come.
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Diana Taurasi and rookie Nika Mühl face off for the first time. Hear what the former Uconn legend had to say about the former member of the team in ONE WORD when asked
What UConn women’s basketball great Diana Taurasi said about WNBA rookie Nika Mühl: ‘Selfless’.
Former UConn women’s basketball star Diana Taurasi had high praise for Nika Mühl, the latest Husky to join the ranks of the WNBA.
Mühl’s first WNBA preseason appearance came against Taurasi as the Seattle Storm faced the Phoenix this week.
Following the game, there was a postgame video of Mühl talking to Christyn Williams and Taurasi. Mühl was knocked over by Taurasi under the basket during the game.
“You were pushing me all over the court!” Mühl said to Taurasi.
“I was waiting for you,” Taurasi replied.
On a WNBA media Zoom call Thursday, Taurasi was asked about welcoming new UConn alumni into the league.
“Yeah, I’ve been a fan of Nika since she got the school,” Taurasi said.
“I mean, she plays with that, that grit. She has that Eastern Bloc mindset, which nothing is given to them and I just love the way she works and she’s gonna have a hell of a career, because she loves the game, because she’s selfless. She plays for the team. It’s always nice to have a fellow Husky around. We’ve gone through the same experiences with Coach (Geno Auriemma), so I’m just happy for her.”
The Zagreb, Croatia native missed the Storm’s exhibition opener against the Los Angeles Sparks in Edmonton due to issues with her student visa.
Mühl is the backup point guard to starter Skylar Diggins-Smith and subbed in for Diggins-Smith twice in the preseason game against Phoenix. She finished the game with six points, three defensive rebounds and two assists in the Storm’s 85-59 win over the Mercury at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena.
Taken by Seattle with its first pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft (14th overall, second pick of the second round) on April 15, Mühl missed her only shot and was called for a blocking foul against Taurasi as the former UConn star and WNBA’s all-time leading scorer finished a drive to the basket to close the first quarter.
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What makes Las Vegas Aces Star Kelsey Plum praise Rookie Kate Martin so much: “She makes everyone better”
Former Iowa standout Kate Martin is making quite an impression in Las Vegas. Aces star Kelsey Plum had nothing but praise for the former Hawkeye, saying she’s an “amazing sponge,” and that “she makes people better” on the court.
It certainly sounds like Kate Martin has a bright future in the WNBA. That’s according to Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum, who praised the former Iowa standout in a recent Zoom interview with reporters.
Martin, a second-round selection by the Aces in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has been playing for a roster spot ever since hearing her name called in mid-April. It sounds like she’s made quite the impression on Plum, a two-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion in the league.
The former Hawkeye is also making an impression on coach Becky Hammon.
“Kate Martin is awesome. Kate Martin picks up things so quickly, she’s an amazing sponge,” Plum said. “I think Becky nicknamed her Kate ‘Money’ Martin. I think that’s gonna stick.
“And when I say ‘money,’ it’s not just about scoring and stuff, she’s just in the right place at the right time. She just makes people better. And that’s what Becky values, that’s what our coaching staff values and that’s why she’s gonna be a great asset to our team.”
Martin played at Iowa from 2019-24, helping lead the Hawkeyes to three Big Ten Tournament titles and a pair of NCAA national championship game appearances. She had the best season of her career in 2023-24, averaging 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.
Martin survived another round of team cuts, putting her closer to earning a roster spot with the Aces for the regular season. Las Vegas doesn’t have a preseason game until Saturday, May 11, playing the Peurto Rico National Team.
As for Martin, her goal is simple: Put everything she has on the court every single rep.
“I’m not trying to prove anything, I’m trying to be myself,” she said, “give my best effort every single rep.”
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