The year 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary for Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever sensation. On Wednesday, the University of Iowa added another accolade to her illustrious journey by announcing the retirement of her iconic No. 22 jersey. This honor crowns a year where Clark shattered the NCAA Division I all-time basketball scoring record in her final season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, claimed her second Naismith Award, and led the team to the Final Four.
Following her historic college career, Clark’s rookie year in the WNBA was equally remarkable. Drafted first overall, she secured the Rookie of the Year award, made the All-Star team, and earned a spot on the All-WNBA First Team. Her accolades culminated last week when Time Magazine named her Athlete of the Year, further solidifying her status as a transformative force in basketball.
Iowa’s announcement to hoist Clark’s jersey into the rafters on February 2, 2025, drew an outpouring of admiration from fans. Social media buzzed with comments hailing her as “the collegiate GOAT” and predicting her legacy as “the WNBA GOAT.” Some even called for a statue to honor her impact on the sport. The Hawkeyes’ tribute will take place during a high-stakes game against USC and rising star Juju Watkins.
A native of West Des Moines, Iowa, Clark’s collegiate stats were as awe-inspiring as her accolades: 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game over 139 appearances. She was instrumental in securing three Big Ten tournament titles, cementing her place in Hawkeye history and setting an unparalleled standard for future players.
As Iowa prepares to honor Clark in February, fans and players alike look forward to witnessing her continued dominance on the court. The highly anticipated matchup against Watkins and the Trojans will not only celebrate Clark’s past but also spotlight the bright future of women’s basketball.
