The Iowa Hawkeyes’ season appeared challenging without college scoring record-breaker Caitlin Clark on their roster. However, Jan Jensen’s team has defied expectations, winning their first six games in impressive fashion. Yet, just before their latest matchup against the Rhode Island Rams, head coach Jan Jensen shared concerning news about one of their top performers’ availability, casting doubt on their continued success this season and potentially undermining ex-coach Lisa Bluder’s convincing efforts.

The Hawkeyes hit the court for their seventh game of the season riding an impressive winning streak. Facing the Rhode Island Rams, the team seemed primed to keep the momentum alive. However, the Hawkeyes’ top scorer this season, Lucy Olsen, was noticeably absent from the roster. Addressing the same concern on the YouTube broadcast, Jan Jensen shed some light on the situation surrounding the standout player, who joined Iowa via the transfer portal.

The Iowa-based reporter Kyle Huesmann tweeted on X, “NEW: Per Jan Jensen on the pregame Youtube broadcast, Lucy Olsen is game-to-game with leg injury after falling and sustaining a serious cut.” While Jensen didn’t dive into specifics, her update hinted at a development that might leave fans feeling uneasy about the team’s trajectory moving forward.

While the black and gold boast other scoring talents like Addison O’Grady and Hannah Stuelke, Olsen has been one of the most phenomenal player this season. She’s led the scoring charts in three of Iowa’s first six games. Her performance in the last game against Washington State was particularly remarkable. Olsen didn’t just lead in points—she dominated across the board, topping rebounds and assists as well.

Since her move to Iowa was carefully orchestrated by former head coach Lisa Bluder and was also seen to fill the massive void left by Caitlin Clark, Olsen’s uncertain playing status raises significant concerns. If her injury lingers, it could jeopardize the impact of what was meant to be a game-changing addition for the Hawkeyes.

Lisa Bluder’s influence in Lucy Olsen’s decision to join Jan Jensen-led Iowa

Wearing the #33 jersey, Lucy Olsen joined the Iowa Hawkeyes through the transfer portal back in April after three impressive seasons with the Villanova Wildcats. Her arrival came shortly after Caitlin Clark was drafted as the No. 1 pick by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA Draft, leaving a huge gap in Iowa’s lineup. The Hawkeyes wasted no time in securing Olsen, a standout player, to bolster their roster.

In a recent conversation with CBS Sports, Olsen opened up about the factors that led her to choose Iowa as her new home. “I mean, from the first phone call they were my first one, and Coach Bluder, head coach. I mean, that felt very important. Obviously, Coach Bluder is awesome and amazing. But I think after that like you could just — then I did a zoom call with all the coaches and you could feel the love through the zoom call,” Olsen told CBS Sports.

This meant Olsen’s decision to join the Hawkeyes was largely shaped by former head coach Lisa Bluder’s subtle yet persuasive influence. So far, Olsen has been living up to expectations, averaging an impressive 17.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. However, Bluder’s vision for the team, centered around Olsen’s contributions, could be in jeopardy if her time on the sidelines extends further. Fans eagerly await clarity on her status as Iowa prepares to face the BYU Cougars tonight.