No Iowa women’s basketball player will wear number 22 again.
That’s because the Hawkeyes will retire Caitlin Clark’s jersey in a ceremony at the arena on Feb. 2 as Iowa takes on USC at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
During her four years with the program, Clark rewrote both the Iowa and NCAA record books. In the span of 17 days last winter, she became the all-time NCAA Division I women’s scoring leader, all-time college scoring leader and all-time men’s and women’s scoring champion in Division I. During her career, Clark also broke the record for three-pointers in one season, made two national championship appearances, was a four-time AP All-American and was twice named National Player of the Year.
However, all of this only reflects part of Clark’s legacy, as her impact was seen and felt in the frenzy surrounding every game she played. Iowa broke numerous 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, up of 90 percent compared to the 2023 title game.
“I am 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 a lot to me to receive this honor and celebrate it with my family, friends and alumni. It will be a great feeling to look up between the beams and see my jersey next to the jersey I have 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 field, but has also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and determination,” said athletics director Beth Goetz. “Her remarkable achievements left an indelible mark on the University of Iowa and the world of women’s basketball.”
When Clark’s number 22 is raised to the rafters, it will join Michelle Edwards’ number 30 and Megan Gustafson’s number 10 as the third women’s basketball player to be honored in Iowa.
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 a season of transition. Shortly after last year, longtime head coach Lisa Bluder retired, making way for her longtime head coach, Jan Jensen, to take the lead role. Now led by junior forward Hannah Stuelke and senior transfer guard Lucy Olsen, Iowa opened the season by winning its first eight games. However, the Hawkeyes have dropped two of their last three games, falling to Tennessee and Michigan State.
Iowa’s game on Feb. 2 will be the 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 seen as a Clark heir apparent in terms of continuing to elevate women’s college basketball.
Tip-off for USC-Iowa is scheduled for 1:30 PM ET and the game will air on FOX.
“Retireing her number is a testament to her extraordinary contributions and a celebration of her legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come,” Goetz said. “Hawkeye fans would like to thank you for so many incredible moments.”
Required reading
(Photo: Kirby Lee / USA Today)