When first lady Jill Biden shared her wish of inviting both Iowa and LSU to the White House after Sunday’s thrilling women’s national championship, it created a spiral of debate in the college hoops landscape.
With the Tigers defeating the Hawkeyes to claim their first national title in school history, LSU star Angel Reese was quick to share her sentiment on Biden’s desire, calling it “a joke.” While the White House clarified earlier Tuesday that only LSU was invited after winning the game, Hawkeyes coach Lisa Bluder felt that it was the best decision.
“I gratefully acknowledge the First Lady’s sentiments, but a day at the White House should belong solely to the champion, LSU and Coach Mulkey,” Bluder tweeted. “We would welcome the First Lady and President to come to Iowa’s “House” – Carver Hawkeye Arena — any time!”
I gratefully acknowledge the First Lady’s sentiments, but a day at the White House should belong solely to the champion, LSU and Coach Mulkey. We would welcome the First Lady and President to come to Iowa’s “House” – Carver Hawkeye Arena — any time!
— Lisa Bluder (@LisaBluder) April 4, 2023
Bluder’s comments came after her star guard and National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark appeared on ESPN’s Outside the Lines. She echoed her coach’s comments and stated she did not believe her team deserved to come to the White House following Sunday’s loss.
“I don’t think runner-ups usually go to the White House,” Clark said during the ESPN interview. “I think LSU should enjoy that moment for them, and congratulations, obviously, they deserve to go to there. Maybe I can go to the White House on different terms, though. But I think that’s for LSU. That’s a pretty cool moment, and they should enjoy every single second of being a champion.”
