Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark's Former Coach Reveals Heartbreaking Message After Shocking NCAA Tournament Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mintu Tomar | Last updated Mar 25, 2026 3:25 PM ET

Caitlin Clark became a household name through her college basketball phase that saw her lead the Iowa Hawkeyes to back-to-back championship games in the NCAA Tournament between 2022 and 2024. Since she left the program two years ago to start her WNBA journey, it seems the Hawkeyes have seriously missed having a star like her.

It became evident last year when the program couldn't make it past the Round of 32 during March Madness. And this year, too, the story remained largely unchanged for Clark's former coach Jan Jensen and her squad.

Despite having the likes of center Ava Heiden, forward Hannah Stuelke and guard Taylor Stremlow, the Hawkeyes once again failed to move past the second round. Monday afternoon saw the No.2 seed team losing against No.10 seed Virginia Cavaliers 83-75 at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena in front of a sold-out home crowd.

Iowa center Ava Heiden (5) shoots the basketball March 23, 2026 during a Round of 32 NCAA March Madness game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A day after her team's shocking exit from the NCAA Tournament, coach Jensen shared a heartbroken message on social media. On Wednesday she wrote, "Want to take a moment to say thx to our fans for their support. Overall, a heck of a year...This type of ending is definitely disappointing,"

However, she vowed to make an impact next season by using this bitter experience "as motivation goin' forward. Thx for being with us. God Bless & Go Hawks!"

Want to take a moment to say thx to our fans for their support.Overall, a heck of a year...This type of ending is definitely disappointing, but we'll surely use it as motivation goin' forward. Thx for being with us.❤️ God Bless & Go Hawks! https://t.co/iD2fPmErSZ
— Jan Jensen (@goiowa) March 25, 2026

Despite the unexpected March Madness end, there are still some positives to take out for the program moving forward. Previous season's freshman Heiden finally emerged as a consistent performer for the Hawkeyes throughout the 2025-26 season.

Even in the defeat against the Cavaliers on Monday, the No.5 center shined with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Overall, she averaged 18.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists with a 64.1% field goal accuracy this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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