No Iowa women's basketball player will wear No. 22 again.
That's since the Hawkeyes will retire Caitlin Clark's jersey in an in-arena ceremony on Feb. 2 when Iowa takes on USC at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
During her 4 years with this system, Clark rewrote each the Iowa and NCAA record books. Last winter, she became the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer, the foremost colleges' all-time leading scorer and the boys's and girls's Division I all-time leading scorer in a 17-day span. During her profession, Clark also broke the three-pointer record in a single season, participated in two national championships, was a four-time AP All-American and was named National Player of the Year twice.
However, all of this reflects only a part of Clark's legacy, as her influence was visible and felt in the thrill surrounding every game she played. Iowa broke countless attendance, merchandise and tv records. According to ESPN, the 2024 national championship between the Hawkeyes and Gamecocks was the most-watched basketball game (men's or women's college or skilled) since 2019, averaging 18.9 million viewers and peaking at 24.1 million viewers, a 90 percent increase in comparison with the 2023 title game.
“I am forever proud to be a Hawkeye and Iowa has a special place in my heart that is bigger than just basketball,” Clark said in an announcement. “It means a lot to me to receive this honor and celebrate it with my family, friends and alumni. It will be a great feeling to look up in the attic and see my jersey next to those I have admired for so long.”
To the rafters.
2.2.25@CaitlinClark22 X #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/Qjq1Y1VfrZ
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) December 18, 2024
“Caitlin Clark not only redefined excellence on the field, but inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and determination,” said Athletics Director Beth Goetz. “Her remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the University of Iowa and the world of women’s basketball.”
If Clark's No. 22 goes down, she’s going to turn out to be the third women's basketball player to have their numbers honored at Iowa, joining Michelle Edwards' No. 30 and Megan Gustafson's No. 10.
After Clark moved to the skilled ranks – where she made first-team All-WNBA as a rookie with the Indiana Fever – the Hawkeyes entered a transitional season. Shortly after last 12 months, long-time head coach Lisa Bluder retired, leaving her long-time assistant head coach Jan Jensen in charge. Iowa, now led by junior forward Hannah Stuelke and senior transfer guard Lucy Olsen, opened the season by winning its first eight games. However, the Hawkeyes have lost two of their last three contests, falling to Tennessee and Michigan State.
Iowa's Feb. 2 matchup will probably be its first against the Trojans after USC moved as much as the Big Ten. USC is led by JuJu Watkins, who, despite only being a sophomore, is already seen as Clark's successor in moving women's college basketball forward.
Kickoff for USC-Iowa is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET and the competition will air on FOX.
“The retirement of her number is a testament to her extraordinary contributions and a tribute to her legacy that will continue to inspire future generations,” Goetz said. “Hawkeye fans really want to say thank you for so many incredible moments.”
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