Ex-Iowa HC Lisa Bluder shares how she trained Caitlin Clark, learning from Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson

Lisa Bluder played an important part in the development of Iowa Hawkeyes-turned-Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark. This week, the former Iowa women's basketball head coach reminisced about her experiences coaching Clark in an interview with "The Athletic."

Bluder is an avid reader with a home library full of books about how to develop players and teams. Her husband suggested a specific title to guide in helping Clark reach her potential.

“I think you should read ‘Sacred Hoops’ again,” Bluder said her husband David advised.

Syndication: HawkCentral - Source: Imagn

“Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior" is a 1995 book by Phil Jackson, focused on his tenure coaching Michael Jordan for the Chicago Bulls. Bluder had originally read the book while she was coaching at Drake and decided to pick it back up to see if it could provide her with some insight she could use on Clark.

Bluder highlighted passages in the book that reminded her of the talented young hooper. She found herself drawn to passages about the loneliness that can come with stardom. One highlighted portion focused on the pressure Jordan felt both for himself and his team, and another discussed how Jordan dealt with criticism in the media. Bluder shared these passages with Clark.

“The things that Michael Jordan had, that Phil had to help Michael with, were some of the same things that I feel like I had to help Caitlin with,” Bluder said.

Developing a top-tier talent like Clark was no easy feat, but Bluder turned to Jackson's book and used what she learned to rise to the challenge.

Also read: “Dynamic pair of Hawks”: Iowa fans reminisce as ex-college teammates Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin went head to head

Caitlin Clark returns from injury to the Indiana Fever

On Wednesday, Caitlin Clark returned to the court for the Indiana Fever. The star guard rejoined her squad after being sidelined for five games with a groin injury.

In the matchup against the Golden State Valkyries, Clark recorded 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists over 25 minutes on the court. She shot 33.3%, including 40% from three.

Caitlin Clark has struggled to stay healthy this season. She was sidelined for three weeks with a left quadriceps strain and returned for just five games before suffering her groin injury.

Despite her time away from the Fever this season, Clark has been selected as a WNBA All-Star team captain after receiving a record-breaking 1,293,526 fan votes.

The star guard has made her return to the court and will look to lead her Indiana Fever and All-Star squads to success.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

Know More

Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here

Edited by John Maxwell