Raina Harmon, the beloved Iowa assistant coach, said goodbye to Hawkeye Nation. She’s off to lead Florida Gulf Coast as head coach. Lucy Olsen, a former Iowa star, showed love for her coach on Instagram and showed her support for the decision. While their departures will be felt in Iowa this season, these moves will be a brand-new start for both of the basketball stars.
Star Lucy Olsen Shares Support For Raina Harmon’s Iowa Farewell
For seven years, Harmon helped shape the Hawkeyes into a powerhouse. Her work on the court led to a 185-52 record. She turned wings into stars and made Iowa’s defense tough. Off the court, she had a talent for recruiting; she secured many great players for the program. Now, she’s taking her talents to Florida Gulf Coast, a top mid-major program.
On Wednesday, Harmon shared her final farewell to Iowa on social media.
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“It’s hard to put into words what my time at the University of Iowa has meant to me,” Harmon wrote. She thanked everyone—players, coaches, staff, and fans. She spoke of growth, not just as a coach but as a person. “I’ve grown here—not just as a coach, but as a woman, a leader and a believer in what’s possible when people believe in one another,” she said.
She celebrated the players who trusted her. “Coaching you has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” she told them. Together, they won back-to-back national championships and multiple Big Ten titles. Those memories won’t fade soon from the Harmon’s mind.
Lucy Olsen, one of Iowa’s brightest stars last season, felt the impact of Harmon’s departure. Olsen, now chasing her WNBA dream, posted an Instagram story showing her support for the coach’s decision.
Olsen’s time at Iowa was short but special. She transferred from Villanova for her final college season. At Iowa, she played point guard in Caitlin Clark’s shadow. Yet, she managed to make a name for herself. She earned first-team all-Big Ten honors.
She led the Hawkeyes to 23 wins and a second-round NCAA Tournament spot. Harmon’s coaching helped Olsen grow, and through her Instagram story, Olsen made it clear to everyone.
Harmon’s goodbye also thanked head coach Lisa Bluder and associate head coach Jan Jensen. “Thank you for believing in me,” she wrote. She praised their leadership and vision. To the fans, she called them the “heartbeat of the program.” Iowa’s sellout crowds and road game energy left a mark on her.
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Harmon’s exit and Olsen’s support show what Iowa basketball is about. It’s more than wins, it’s about the people. Harmon built a legacy in seven years. Olsen carried it forward in one. Their bond, shared through a simple Instagram story, is a testament to that.
Hawkeye Nation will miss Harmon. But her impact lives on, in Olsen, in the players, and in the program she helped define.
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