You don't need me to tell you that the young women who play basketball for coach Lisa Bluder at the University of Iowa, adore their head coach. Here's another reason why. She's not afraid to laugh at herself, with a superb Halloween costume that had all the players in stitches this morning.

Bluder is entering her 24th season at the University of Iowa, where she has a career record of 494-249. Her 2023-24 team, coming off a national runner-up finish in April, is ranked third in the nation heading into their season opener Monday night against Farleigh Dickinson. The sold-out game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena begins at 6:30 on BTN+.

Coach Bluder loves Halloween. Just check out some of her costumes from the past.

This Halloween morning, Coach Bluder decided to dress up as the main character from one of the most popular movies of 2023 and surprise her players. They were surprised all right. And they loved every second of it.

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Coach Bluder comes bursting into the gym from a side door and she's got her act down for sure. Enjoy this peek inside the Iowa women's basketball program, one that I feel anyone would be thrilled to join. Even though they've enjoyed huge success on the court, it's a special group that truly loves one another. This morning's video again shows just how much.

Well done, Coach Bluder. Even though you look the part, please don't quit your day job. Hawk Nation doesn't want you to go anywhere. We can't wait for next week.

Our Favorite Photos From Iowa's Run to the NCAA Championship Game

The 2022-23 Iowa women's basketball season started on November 7 and concluded in the NCAA Championship Game against LSU on Sunday, April 2. Iowa went 31-7 and will be remembered forever for their five NCAA Tournament wins. Here are our favorite photos from the tournament.

Gallery Credit: Getty Images

Iowa Final Four vs. South Carolina

On March 31, 2023, the 3rd-ranked Iowa women's basketball team played top-ranked, and undefeated South Carolina in the Final Four in Dallas, Texas. South Carolina had won 42 in a row. It would end with Iowa defeating South Carolina 77-73.

Gallery Credit: Getty Images

Best Photos From A Magical Weekend at Carver-Hawkeye Arena

On Saturday and Sunday, February 25 and 26, 2023, the Iowa men's and women's basketball teams pulled off last-second victories against Michigan State and Indiana.
On Saturday, the men became just the 4th team in college basketball history to overcome an 11-point deficit with less than 1 minute to play.
On Sunday, the #6 Iowa women defeated #2 Indiana on a 3-point shot at the buzzer by Caitlin Clark.

Gallery Credit: Getty Images/Hawkeyesports.com

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