Iowa women’s basketball is gearing up for an important showdown with the No. 3-ranked UCLA Bruins this Sunday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Despite a challenging season that has left the Hawkeyes with a 18-8 record and an 11th-place standing in the Big Ten, former Iowa star Caitlin Clark is stepping in to motivate fans. On social media, she’s encouraging the Iowa faithful to bring the noise and show their support for the team during this crucial game.
The Hawkeyes’ recent form was marred by a tough overtime defeat to Ohio State, with the game ending 86-78. Prior to this heartbreaker, Iowa had been on a six-game winning streak, which included a major upset over the then-No. 4 ranked USC Trojans. Clark, who had been present at the USC game for the ceremony marking her jersey retirement, has remained deeply connected to her alma mater, continuing to support the team through social media posts and messages.
Clark, who holds several records from her time at Iowa, is rallying the team’s supporters as they prepare for a vital clash with UCLA. Her tweet on February 23rd urged fans to “Get Carver LOUD for the girls today!!! Let’s go @IowaWBB.” The energy from the fans at this game could be crucial, as Iowa’s chances in the NCAA tournament may depend on performances like this one. According to recent bracketology projections, Iowa is currently slotted to be an 8th seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament, with 13 teams from the Big Ten expected to make the cut.
Caitlin Clark, who was a two-time AP Player of the Year and a four-time First-Team All-American during her college career, has been a force on the basketball court. She finished as Iowa’s all-time leader in several key categories, including points per game, field goals made, and three-pointers. Following her collegiate success, Clark was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. She went on to earn WNBA Rookie of the Year honors in her debut season, further solidifying her legacy as one of the best players to ever come out of Iowa.
As the Hawkeyes prepare for this pivotal matchup, it’s clear that Clark’s influence extends far beyond her time on the court at Iowa. Her continued involvement with the program and her encouragement to fans show her deep commitment to her alma mater and the future of Iowa women’s basketball. Fans are sure to be inspired by her call to action, and with the stakes high, Sunday’s game against UCLA promises to be one for the books.
