After a tough defeat to the University of Iowa in the 2025 NCAA women’s basketball season, USC’s team found themselves emotionally affected but also deeply respectful of a historic moment in the sport. The game, which saw Iowa star Caitlin Clark deliver yet another iconic performance, marked a pivotal point in the rivalry between the two schools, but it also held significance on a broader scale. Following the loss, USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb explained why the Trojans decided to stay and watch the ceremony in which Clark’s jersey was retired—a rare honor for any athlete at the collegiate level.
For Coach Gottlieb, the decision to remain in Iowa’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena was driven by an appreciation for the magnitude of Caitlin Clark’s impact on the sport. Clark’s performances over the years had not only rewritten the record books but had also elevated the visibility of women’s college basketball. In a post-game interview, Gottlieb noted, “What Caitlin has done for this game is remarkable. It’s not just about what she’s achieved on the court, but about the attention she’s brought to the women’s game as a whole.” With Clark’s jersey retirement representing a historic moment in basketball, Gottlieb felt it was essential for her players to experience that moment, acknowledging the importance of respecting excellence in the sport, regardless of the outcome of the game.
The atmosphere at the ceremony was filled with a sense of awe and admiration. Caitlin Clark, who had recently shattered numerous NCAA records, was honored with a full tribute, where her jersey was lifted to the rafters of Carver-Hawkeye Arena. As USC’s players, some of whom had faced Clark in fierce competition, watched on, they reflected on the growth of the game and the legacy being created before their eyes. The Trojans’ decision to witness this historic occasion was a gesture that transcended the rivalry, embracing the spirit of sportsmanship that is often overshadowed by the intensity of competition.
Additionally, the decision to stay and watch the ceremony was also a valuable teaching moment for USC’s young players. Many of the Trojans’ athletes were witnessing such a moment for the first time in their careers, and for them, the experience was about more than just respecting an opponent—it was about understanding the journey of a player who had worked tirelessly to reach such heights. Coach Gottlieb emphasized that, “It’s important for our players to understand the effort, the passion, and the dedication that Caitlin Clark has put into her craft. It’s an example for all of us, including them, of what can be achieved with hard work and determination.”
While the loss to Iowa stung, Coach Gottlieb’s decision to keep the team in the arena also served as a reminder of the bigger picture. The women’s basketball community is a tight-knit one, where rivalries exist but are tempered by mutual respect for the talent and hard work each team brings to the table. For the USC Trojans, witnessing Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement was more than just a moment of admiration; it was an opportunity to gain perspective, to appreciate the history of the game, and to learn from one of the greatest players in women’s basketball.
