No Iowa women’s basketball player will wear No. 22 again.
That is because, on Feb. 2, the Hawkeyes will retire Caitlin Clark’s jersey during an in-arena ceremony as Iowa takes on USC at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Over her four years with the program, Clark rewrote both the Iowa and NCAA record books. Last winter, she became the all-time women’s NCAA Division I scoring leader, major college scoring leader and all-time Division I men’s and women’s scoring champion in a 17-day span. During her career, Clark also broke the record for 3-pointers in a single season, made two national championship appearances, was a four-time AP All-American and was twice named the National Player of the Year.
All of that only relays part of Clark’s legacy, however, as her impact was seen and felt in the frenzy surrounding every game she played. Iowa broke countless attendance, merchandise and television records. ESPN said the 2024 national championship between the Hawkeyes and Gamecocks was the most-watched basketball game (men’s or women’s college or pro) since 2019, averaging 18.9 million viewers and peaking at 24.1 million viewers, a 90 percent increase from the 2023 title game.
“I’m forever proud to be a Hawkeye and Iowa holds a special place in my heart that is bigger than just basketball,” Clark said in a statement. “It means the world to me to receive this honor and to celebrate it with my family, friends and alumni. It will be a great feeling to look up in the rafters and see my jersey alongside those that I’ve admired for so long.”
To the rafters.
2.2.25@CaitlinClark22 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/Qjq1Y1VfrZ
— Iowa Women’s Basketball (@IowaWBB) December 18, 2024
“Caitlin Clark has not only redefined excellence on the court but has also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and determination,” Director of Athletics Beth Goetz said. “Her remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the University of Iowa and the world of women’s basketball.”
With Clark having transitioned to the professional ranks — where she made the All-WNBA first-team as a rookie with the Indiana Fever — the Hawkeyes entered into a transitional season. Shortly after last year, longtime head coach Lisa Bluder retired, giving way for her longtime associate head coach, Jan Jensen, to take on the lead role. Now led by junior forward Hannah Stuelke and senior transfer guard Lucy Olsen, Iowa opened the season winning its first eight games. However, the Hawkeyes have dropped two of their last three contests, falling to Tennessee and Michigan State.
Iowa’s matchup on Feb. 2 will be its first against the Trojans following USC’s move to the Big Ten. USC is led by JuJu Watkins, who despite being only a sophomore, is already viewed as an heir apparent to Clark in terms of continuing to elevate women’s college basketball.
Tipoff for USC-Iowa is set for 1:30 p.m. ET and the contest will air on FOX.
“Retiring her number is a testament to her extraordinary contributions and a celebration of her legacy that will continue to inspire future generations,” Goetz said. “Hawkeye fans are eager to say thank you for so many incredible moments.”
Required reading
- Caitlin Clark named Time’s Athlete of the Year, shares reaction to Olympics roster omission
- Inside the decades-long struggle that made the Caitlin Clark phenomenon possible
(Photo: Kirby Lee / USA Today)
