Jan Jensen

TAMPA, Fla. — University of Iowa first-year head coach Jan Jensen is the 2025 Spalding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announced Wednesday.

The award honors a WBCA member NCAA D-I head coach who has led their team to a successful season during their first year on the sideline. It is named in honor of the late Maggie Dixon, who in her inaugural season as the Army head coach led the Black Knights to the 2006 Patriot League title and their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Dixon, 29, died of an undiagnosed heart condition just weeks later.

“Success in your first year as an NCAA Division I head coach is generally a difficult feat. When a new Division I head coach demonstrates a mastery of managing all aspects of a program, as well as producing success in competition, our coaching family pays respectful attention,” said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. “Jan led Iowa to a remarkable season. We celebrate her effort and effectiveness on the basketball court as a teacher and equally applaud the extensive role she plays in impacting the lives of her student-athletes.”

Iowa finished 23-11 overall and 10-8 in the Big Ten Conference. The Hawkeyes bowed out in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.