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Iowa Women's Basketball Coach Reflects on Tough NCAA Tournament Loss
Jan Jensen discusses youth, experience, and expectations after double-overtime defeat
Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:20pm
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In the aftermath of Iowa's double-overtime loss to Virginia in the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, Hawkeyes head coach Jan Jensen evaluated the impact of her team's youth and inexperience. Jensen expressed frustration with some recurring issues that surfaced in the tough defeat, noting the high standards players face when representing the Iowa program.
Why it matters
As a rising power in women's college basketball, Iowa's early tournament exit was a disappointment for a team with championship aspirations. Jensen's comments provide insight into the challenges of maintaining elite-level success with a relatively young roster, and the pressure that comes with coaching at a program with a storied history.
The details
Iowa led Virginia late in regulation, but the Cavaliers forced overtime and eventually prevailed in double-OT. Jensen pointed to her team's lack of experience in high-pressure NCAA Tournament situations as a factor in the defeat. The Hawkeyes started three underclassmen, and Jensen felt some recurring issues, like turnovers and defensive lapses, resurfaced at the worst possible time.
- Iowa's loss to Virginia occurred on March 25, 2026 in the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.
The players
Jan Jensen
The second-year head coach of the Iowa women's basketball team.
What they’re saying
“Playing at Iowa, there's a very high standard you're expected to live up to.”
— Jan Jensen, Head Coach, Iowa Women's Basketball
What’s next
Jensen and the Hawkeyes will look to regroup and reload for next season, with the goal of making a deeper NCAA Tournament run.
The takeaway
Iowa's early tournament exit highlighted the challenges of maintaining elite-level success with a young roster. Jensen's comments suggest the program will need to balance high expectations with patience as it develops its next generation of talent.
