Caitlin Clark, the WNBA superstar and former Iowa Hawkeyes standout, has always credited her college coach, Lisa Bluder, for shaping her into the player and person she is today. Bluder, who retired in May 2024 after a 40-year coaching career, was more than a mentor to Clark—she was a second mother, a guiding light who saw potential in a young girl from West Des Moines and nurtured it with unwavering belief. Their bond, built on trust and mutual respect, transcended the basketball court, marked by quiet acts of kindness that Clark never forgot. But when Clark learned of Bluder’s struggles after retirement, she took action in a way that has left fans and admirers in awe.
During her time at Iowa, Bluder was known for her selflessness. She stayed late after practices to ensure her players were safe, offering rides or support when needed. For Clark, one memory stood out: when her family faced financial hardship, Bluder discreetly bought her a pair of basketball shoes, never asking for recognition. “She’s a player’s coach,” Clark once said, praising Bluder’s ability to tailor her coaching to her team’s strengths while fostering a family-like environment. Under Bluder’s guidance, Clark became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, leading Iowa to two national championship games and transforming women’s basketball with her electrifying play
After Bluder’s retirement, Clark’s career soared with the Indiana Fever, but she remained connected to her roots. This past winter, a rumor reached Clark that shook her: Bluder, the coach who had given so much, was reportedly facing hard times. Whispers of financial struggles and even homelessness began circulating, though details were scarce. The news hit Clark hard. “Coach Bluder believed in me more than anyone,” Clark shared on social media after Bluder’s retirement. “Simply no one better at building a team.” Determined to help, Clark quietly reached out to confirm the rumors.
What she did next was nothing short of extraordinary. Clark, leveraging her platform and resources from endorsements, worked behind the scenes to ensure Bluder’s stability. Sources close to the situation say Clark connected with local Iowa organizations to secure housing and financial support for her former coach, all while keeping the effort private to respect Bluder’s dignity. “Caitlin didn’t want headlines,” a friend of Clark’s revealed. “She just wanted to make sure Coach was okay.” The gesture was a testament to Clark’s character, reflecting the loyalty Bluder instilled in her.
Bluder, now an analyst for the Big Ten Network, has not publicly confirmed the rumors of her struggles, but her recent appearances show her in good spirits, praising Clark’s impact on women’s sports. Clark’s actions remind us that true greatness extends beyond the court. For a coach who once gave her a pair of shoes, Clark gave back a lifeline, proving that some bonds are unbreakable.
