During a memorable February 2, 2025, matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and USC Trojans, the spotlight was undeniably shared between two key moments: the dramatic 76-69 upset win by the Hawkeyes and the emotional jersey retirement of Caitlin Clark, one of Iowa’s most legendary players. The game’s significance was heightened by the presence of Clark herself, who has not only made an indelible mark on the team but also on the sport of women’s basketball as a whole. As Iowa celebrated this milestone, guard Lucy Olsen, a key player in the Hawkeyes’ victory, found herself in awe of Clark’s legacy.
Lucy Olsen, who had a stellar performance, finishing with 28 points and 3 steals, was the driving force behind Iowa’s unexpected triumph. Despite recent struggles and a season that didn’t live up to their past successes, the Hawkeyes pulled off the upset against the Trojans, largely thanks to Olsen’s efforts. This victory, which had fans buzzing, added even more excitement to the day as they also witnessed Clark’s jersey being honored in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, forever securing her place in Iowa’s history.
For Olsen, the experience was deeply meaningful. Having transferred to Iowa from Villanova earlier in the year, Olsen has always admired Clark from a distance. But being in the same arena, witnessing Clark’s achievements firsthand, and even practicing with her left Olsen in awe. After the game, she shared her feelings, expressing how surreal it was to be in the presence of someone who has so profoundly impacted the sport.
“I mean, every time I watch any of her highlights or anything, I’m like ‘Wow, she’s so good.’ And she practiced with us the other day, I was like ‘Wow. This is so cool,'” Olsen reflected. “It’s just amazing, and everything she has done for this sport… that’s part of the reason I’m here at Iowa.”
Olsen’s admiration for Clark is rooted not just in her talent, but also in the way Clark has helped elevate women’s basketball to new heights. The influence of Clark’s hard work and dedication is one of the driving factors behind Olsen’s decision to join the Hawkeyes, a program that has become synonymous with success and inspiration in women’s sports.
Looking ahead, Olsen’s performance this season has caught the attention of many, including scouts, as she’s projected to be a second-round pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft. With the Indiana Fever holding the 19th and 20th picks, there is a possibility that Olsen could one day find herself playing alongside Clark once more, perhaps as her backup. Whether or not this future comes to pass, Olsen’s journey at Iowa continues to be a testament to the power of Clark’s influence, both on and off the court.
