In a remarkable event filled with emotion and nostalgia, Iowa’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena witnessed a historic moment as the legendary Caitlin Clark returned to see her number 22 retired. The moment wasn't about scoring points but celebrating an unforgettable journey in women’s basketball as her jersey joined the rafters, cementing Clark's lasting legacy.
On Sunday, the ceremony took place following the Hawkeyes’ victory over No. 4 USC with a score of 76-67. Despite the absence of game-induced adrenaline, Clark confessed to having “butterflies” akin to game day excitement. Speaking at a pregame press conference, she expressed her mixed emotions, saying, “It will definitely be a little bit more emotional that I don’t have to compete.”
As Clark stood center court with her family, a smile beamed across her face, rendering the moment both personal and monumental. It marked the culmination of a stellar career that saw Clark rise to become college basketball’s all-time leading scorer and secure back-to-back appearances for Iowa in the NCAA national championship games.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of a sold-out crowd of 14,998. Among them were notable figures such as Lisa Bluder, Clark’s former coach, and Stephanie White, her current mentor at the WNBA’s Indiana Fever. Former teammates also gathered, alongside renowned personalities like David Letterman. USC’s team also stayed to honor the peerless athlete.
Recalling her early days, Iowa coach Jan Jensen shared a touching memory of seeing Clark play as a high school freshman. “We made a pact to be the last one standing,” Jensen said with pride. “Caitlin is truly generational. She changed the world.”
Clark's influence is profound, not just in terms of her athletic achievements but in the positive aura she has brought to Iowa’s basketball program and beyond. Lisa Bluder’s tribute highlighted this impact, emphasizing the empowerment of young women in sports. “You’ve done more in the past four years than anyone can imagine,” Bluder remarked, encapsulating the essence of Clark’s inspirational journey.
Throughout her tenure, Clark spearheaded multiple accomplishments for the Hawkeyes, contributing to three Big Ten Tournament titles and four NCAA tournament berths. Clark credits these successes to the collective spirit and selflessness of her teammates, traits she considers increasingly rare in today’s collegiate sports arena. “The great culture we had was the foundation of our winning,” she noted.
Despite her soaring public profile and media attention—whether appearing at concerts or attending NFL games with celebrities like Taylor Swift—Clark remains grounded. She approaches scrutiny with confidence, an exemplary trait she aims to impart to her peers. “I believe in myself and my teammates,” Clark asserted, talking about the resilience built within her team dynamics.
Notably, the retirement ceremony for Clark’s jersey coincided with similar honors for South Carolina’s A’ja Wilson, who also wore the number 22, underscoring a shared heritage of excellence in women’s basketball.
