Lisa Bluder visited West Des Monies Friday, as the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center honored her with the Pillar of Character Award for the outstanding career and historic season her team completed.

KCCI spoke one-on-one with Bluder about the future of the Hawkeyes.

“It might be a bit of a rebuilding year next year just because we did lose five seniors.”

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Bluder emphasized the strength of their recruiting efforts, noting their ninth-best class in the nation. She highlighted upcoming support from the transfer portal and the return of key starters, mentioning the absence of Affolter, Stuelke, and Feuerbach, who provided crucial contributions off the bench.

Her remarks followed the acquisition of Lucy Olsen, a prized recruit from Villanova, demonstrating their continued recruitment success.

Traditionally focused on high school recruits, Bluder acknowledged the portal’s potential in filling essential roles, particularly with five players graduating.

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Bluder emphasized the impact of the portal on their approach, recognizing the necessity of adapting to remain competitive. While their primary focus remains on high school athletes, she acknowledged the importance of leveraging the portal to address specific needs as they arise.

“Certainly when we have a certain need in the portal, we’re going to go to there and try to fill that need.”