Caitlin Clark made a triumphant return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena during the WNBA offseason for the official retirement of her iconic No. 22 jersey. The ceremony honored her historic achievements at the University of Iowa, where she became a household name in college basketball. Clark’s presence at the arena stirred waves of nostalgia, as fans and former teammates gathered to celebrate her legacy in a place where she redefined excellence.
Following a stellar rookie campaign with the Indiana Fever, Clark’s return to Iowa was a fitting tribute to her impact on the program. The Hawkeyes retired her jersey in a special ceremony that coincided with Iowa’s stunning 76-69 victory over the No. 4 USC Trojans. Among those celebrating her achievement was former teammate Kate Martin, who posted a heartfelt message alongside a photo from the arena, writing, “Into the rafters forever. Proud of you, CC.” Martin, accompanied by fellow Hawkeye alum Gabbie Marshall, was on hand to witness the momentous occasion.
Clark and Martin shared the court at Iowa from 2020 to 2024, playing a pivotal role in the Hawkeyes’ back-to-back Final Four appearances. Over her four-year collegiate career, Clark cemented her place in history by averaging 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. In her final season, she shattered records by becoming the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer across both men’s and women’s basketball, finishing with an unprecedented 3,951 points.
Upon transitioning to the WNBA, Clark continued her dominance, earning Rookie of the Year honors and securing a spot as a WNBA All-Star. Her electrifying play invigorated the Fever franchise, transforming them into a competitive force in the league. Clark’s ability to seamlessly adapt to the professional level underscored her status as one of the most promising young stars in the game.
In her debut WNBA season, Clark propelled the Fever to a balanced 20-20 record, positioning them as the sixth seed in the league standings. She averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, demonstrating her ability to thrive against elite competition. As her jersey now hangs in the rafters of Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Clark’s journey is far from over—her impact on the game continues to grow, both in the WNBA and beyond.
