Caitlin Clark’s former collegiate coach has lavished praise on the basketball virtuoso, lauding her unparalleled leadership as the Iowa Hawkeyes navigate a turbulent season. At just 22, Clark has been dazzling the WNBA, obliterating rookie records, and propelling the Indiana Fever to an impressive playoff debut.
Leading the Fever in both scoring and assists, Clark has rewritten history books with a record-breaking rookie campaign, including becoming the first player to achieve a triple-double in their debut season. While the Hawkeyes sorely miss her on-court brilliance, Coach Jan Jensen admitted that it is her commanding leadership presence they long for most.
With Iowa’s season faltering after a middling 12-4 start and a tough 2-3 stretch in the formidable Big Ten conference, Jensen lamented the absence of senior leadership during a string of losses not seen since Clark’s time. Speaking to FOX, Jensen acknowledged the challenges of developing a young roster while striving to cultivate the leadership needed to regain their footing.
Clark’s poised and composed demeanor, which she has seamlessly transferred to the WNBA, underscores what Iowa has been missing. Her time with the Hawkeyes was marked by unprecedented achievements, including shattering the NCAA’s all-time scoring record for both men and women and guiding her team to two NCAA championship titles.
To honor her monumental contributions, the Hawkeyes are set to retire Clark’s iconic No. 22 jersey in a ceremony at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena on February 2. Broadcast by FOX and attended by Clark, this event serves as a testament to her enduring legacy and her transformative impact on the sport.
