This Sunday promises to be a deeply emotional day for Iowa women’s basketball as they prepare to retire Caitlin Clark’s jersey. The ceremony is set to follow the Hawkeyes’ clash against the No. 4-ranked USC. A standout player and current star for the Indiana Fever, Clark has made a significant impact on the program, drawing unprecedented attention to women’s basketball as a whole. Iowa’s athletic director, Beth Goetz, shared her thoughts on this momentous occasion during an interview with NBC Sports’ lead college basketball insider, Nicole Auerbach.
“It’s wonderful to celebrate someone in real-time — as close to the moment as possible because opportunities like this aren’t often available. While we’re moving quickly to honor her, it also serves as a fantastic homecoming for Caitlin and a chance for our fans to celebrate her legacy.”
Honoring Caitlin Clark: A Tribute to Her Incredible Legacy in Women’s Basketball
Sunday’s event will mark an unforgettable milestone for the program as it honors one of its greatest athletes. Caitlin Clark has an impressive array of accolades to her name: she is the first player in NCAA Division-I history to amass over 3,700 points, 1,000 assists, and 850 rebounds over her career. Furthermore, she is a three-time unanimous NCAA First-team All-American and a two-time Naismith College Player of the Year.
During her remarkable career, Clark propelled Iowa women’s basketball to consecutive National Championship game appearances and holds the title of the all-time leading scorer across college basketball. However, her achievements in Iowa City extend far beyond mere statistics; her impact off the court has also been profound. Alongside fellow stars like Angel Reese, Clark has played a pivotal role in elevating women’s basketball to unprecedented heights.
Caitlin Clark will be attending the game, as the Indiana Fever will participate in an exhibition match against Brazil in Iowa. The Des Moines native expressed her heartfelt sentiments about the upcoming jersey retirement.
“The University of Iowa holds a special place in my heart that transcends just basketball, and it will be an incredible feeling to look up in the rafters and see my jersey alongside those I’ve admired for so long.”
At just 23 years of age, Caitlin Clark will witness her jersey hanging in the rafters at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Coincidentally, on the same day, A’ja Wilson will receive similar recognition at the University of South Carolina. As more legends are celebrated, women’s basketball is poised to continue its remarkable growth. For fans of the sport, these are exciting times, and the best is yet to come.
