IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Former Iowa guard Caitlin Clark returned to Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Sunday for a special occasion: the retirement of her number 22 jersey. The ceremony took place after Iowa’s 76-67 victory over No. 4 USC, marking a significant moment in Clark’s storied college career.
Reflecting on the event, Clark expressed feelings akin to the nerves she experienced before a game. Despite not being on the court to compete, the atmosphere still evoked a sense of excitement and emotion for her. Surrounded by family, Clark watched as her jersey was raised to the rafters, a fitting tribute to her remarkable achievements at Iowa.
Clark’s time at Iowa was marked by historic success, including becoming college basketball’s all-time leading scorer and leading the Hawkeyes to consecutive appearances in the NCAA national championship game. The jersey retirement ceremony was attended by a sellout crowd, including former coaches, teammates, and supporters who witnessed Clark’s impact on the program.
Speaking before the ceremony, Clark reflected on the culture of teamwork and selflessness that defined her time at Iowa. She credited her teammates and coaching staff for creating an environment where success thrived through camaraderie and accountability.
As she navigates life post-college, Clark acknowledges the media attention and scrutiny that comes with her accomplishments. However, she remains steadfast in her self-belief and confidence, undeterred by external opinions.
The jersey retirement ceremony served as a poignant moment to honor Caitlin Clark’s legacy at Iowa, celebrating her contributions to the program and the lasting impact she has made on women’s basketball.
It’s important to recognize the trust and confidence I had in the coaching staff during my time on any team, whether it was here or with the Fever now. Counting on the expertise and support of these individuals was crucial. The sanctity of the locker room is paramount – it’s a space where external opinions and interference are not welcome. The belief that everyone has all the answers is far from reality.
On the day South Carolina retired A’ja Wilson’s jersey, Clark’s jersey was also honored by having it hung in the rafters. Both athletes sported the number 22 during their college careers. Stay informed with poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season by signing up here. For more on AP women’s college basketball, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball
