The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Guest Opinion: Coach Bluder says thank you for all the Phil

Guest+Opinion%3A+Coach+Bluder+says+thank+you+for+all+the+Phil

The Hawkeye women’s basketball season has come to a close for this school year, and that brings warmer spring weather and the opportunity for our University of Iowa to celebrate Phil. As you may already know, Phil represents the philanthropic contributions of so many who are dear to this university and contribute to its sustainability and excellence, and their gifts make a difference in every corner of campus. Our athletics programs and student-athletes are certainly no exception.
The NCAA’s Division 1 teams rely on Phil in order to strive for success. Support for our Athletics Department from many private donors allows our student-athletes the opportunity to do their best as they chase championships and represent the university we all love. Private support, in the form of scholarships, is often a deciding factor in bringing excellent student-athletes to Iowa to learn and compete as Hawkeyes.

Because of the generosity of private donors, we can equip our women to go to battle in the Big Ten and prepare them for life after basketball.

On the basketball court, when you give it your all and are totally invested in the team and your sport, it makes it much harder to surrender and that much more joyful when you are successful. We all know that winning is only special if you work and sacrifice for it; otherwise it seems somewhat meaningless. In my opinion, that’s the way it is with Phil.

When you support the UI and the women’s basketball team, I hope that you truly feel part of our team. When our young women succeed, on and off the court, not only are you are part of that success, but you also directly empower that accomplishment. You have contributed to the success of a team of people who love what they do, who they are doing it with, and the institution they represent … the University of Iowa.

On behalf of my players, I want to thank you. Thank you for giving these impressive young women the opportunity to wear their Iowa uniforms with pride, and the satisfaction of knowing that so many people care — really care — about them and their accomplishments.

— Lisa Bluder 

Head coach, Iowa women’s basketball

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