Iowa City, Iowa - After an illustrious 32-year career with the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team, Jenni "Fitz" Fitzgerald has announced her retirement. Fitzgerald, who served as Special Assistant to the Head Coach, had been an integral part of Lisa Bluder's coaching staff since 1989.

Over the course of her tenure, Fitzgerald held various roles, including four years as an associate head coach, 20 seasons as an assistant coach, and four seasons as an advisor for the Hawkeyes. Known for her strategic acumen and keen eye for talent, Fitzgerald played a crucial role in the team's success.

Reflecting on her time with the Hawkeyes, Fitzgerald expressed gratitude for the opportunities she had been given. "It's been a privilege to be a part of the Hawkeye family for the past 24 years," she said. "Retiring is bittersweet, but I know I'm one of the few people that can say they had the honor of working alongside their best friends for 32 years."

During her coaching career, Fitzgerald helped guide the Hawkeyes to numerous accomplishments and accolades. Under her guidance, Iowa made 22 postseason appearances, including five Big Ten Tournament Championships, two Big Ten Regular Season titles, and 18 NCAA Tournament berths. The team reached the Sweet 16 five times, the Elite Eight thrice, and made two memorable Final Four appearances. Additionally, they made two appearances in the National Championship Game.

Fitzgerald's impact on the development of the team's guards cannot be understated. She coached a total of 37 All-Big Ten players, including 15 First Team All-Big Ten selections. Her expertise also led to the successful transitions of eight Hawkeye guards to the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), including notable names such as Sam Logic and Kathleen Doyle.

Before joining the Hawkeyes, Fitzgerald served as a graduate assistant coach at Southern Illinois University for two years. She also spent eight years coaching alongside Bluder and Jan Jensen at Drake University. As a player, Fitzgerald had an impressive collegiate career at Drake, earning first team all-conference recognition as a senior.

Fitzgerald's contributions extended beyond her coaching duties. She directed summer camps and handled administrative responsibilities for the Bulldog basketball program from 1993 to 2000, showcasing her dedication to the growth and development of the sport.

Recognized for her athletic prowess, Fitzgerald was named Miss Iowa Basketball and the state's Female Athlete of the Year in 1986. Her achievements earned her a place in the Iowa Girls Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995.

Former Iowa Head Coach Lisa Bluder, who worked closely with Fitzgerald for over three decades, expressed her admiration for her longtime colleague. "I have valued working alongside Jenni the past 32 years," Bluder stated. "She is an amazing strategist and coach, and I am thankful that I get to call her a friend for the rest of our lives!"

Fitzgerald's retirement marks the end of an era for the Hawkeye women's basketball program. Her expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the team have left an indelible mark. The Iowa community and the basketball world at large will undoubtedly miss her presence, but her legacy will live on through the countless athletes she mentored and the remarkable achievements she helped bring about.