
Caitlin Clark’s rise to stardom in the WNBA has been nothing short of remarkable, and her decision to choose Iowa State over Notre Dame played a significant role in shaping her success. As the Indiana Fever’s breakout star, Clark’s incredible college career at Iowa State catapulted her to being named the WNBA Rookie of the Year. Her journey to the top began when she decided to forgo the allure of Notre Dame, a powerhouse in NCAA women’s basketball, for a more unconventional choice that would ultimately pay off in unimaginable ways.
In reflecting on her decision, Clark recently shared the factors that influenced her choice, emphasizing her desire to stay close to her family. Hailing from the Midwest, she knew she wanted a college that was not too far from home. While she had visited top programs like Oregon and Texas, she felt they were too distant. Clark also visited Notre Dame numerous times and admired the school’s tradition of excellence in athletics. Despite this, something inside her told her not to choose Notre Dame. Instead, she picked Iowa State—a program that was good but had not reached its full potential in years.
Clark’s decision to attend Iowa State was also influenced by her belief that she could help elevate the program back to prominence. While Iowa State had a solid track record in women’s basketball, it had not made it to the Final Four in over 30 years. Clark wanted to be part of a team that was striving for greatness, and she felt that at Iowa State, she could play a pivotal role in that journey. Additionally, the school’s location struck the perfect balance, allowing Clark to be far enough from home to focus on her career, yet close enough to visit her family when needed.
Throughout her time at Iowa State, Clark shattered records and became a force to be reckoned with in the world of college basketball. She secured the prestigious AP Player of the Year award for two consecutive years, and she became the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer, amassing an astonishing 3,951 points. Her success at Iowa State paved the way for her smooth transition into the WNBA, where she quickly made her mark.
Clark’s incredible achievements during her rookie season in the WNBA have continued to capture the attention of basketball fans everywhere. Reflecting on her 2024, she shared how transformative the year had been for her. Just a year ago, she was gearing up for her senior season at Iowa State, and the transition to the professional league was a whirlwind. The move from college basketball to the WNBA was fast-paced and intense, but Clark embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination, making the most of every opportunity that came her way.
Looking back on her career and the decisions that brought her here, Caitlin Clark is a testament to the power of following one’s instincts and choosing the path that feels right, even when it’s not the most obvious choice. Her journey serves as an inspiration to athletes everywhere, showing that sometimes, taking the road less traveled can lead to the most extraordinary results.