Billie Jean King to present Lisa Bluder with the Joe Lapchick Character Award

New York (AP) — When Lisa Bluder first met tennis legend Billie Jean King, King signed a piece of paper that read: "pressure is a privilege, go Iowa basketball." Bluder displayed that motivational quote in the Hawkeyes' locker room as a daily reminder to her teams. The two women reconnected years later when King took notice of Iowa's success under Bluder during the Hawkeyes' run with Caitlin Clark.

Upon her retirement, Bluder will be honored with the Joe Lapchick Character Award, presented by King alongside Mike Brey, James Jones, and Ernie Johnson. Bluder spent her 40-year coaching career at Iowa, leading the team to the national championship game during her final two seasons with Caitlin Clark. The NCAA's leading scorer praised Bluder for always treating everyone with respect, regardless of their role. Bluder amassed 894 wins, ranking third among active coaches at the time of her retirement.