The University of Iowa has made the decision to retire Caitlin Clark’s number 22, honoring her as one of their greatest athletes. She will be only the third women’s basketball player in program history to have her number in the rafters, joining Megan Gustafson and Michelle Edwards. Clark is expected to be the first pick of the WNBA Draft after a record-setting career, including becoming the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer for both men’s and women’s basketball. She expressed gratitude for the honor and credited her teammates for their inspiration and support throughout her time at Iowa.
Despite Clark’s impressive individual accomplishments, her collegiate career ended with a loss in the national championship game for the second consecutive year, this time to No. 1 South Carolina. Despite this disappointment, Clark remains grateful for the support of her teammates and the opportunity to live out her dream of playing basketball at a high level. She reflected on the legacy of the number 22 at Iowa, acknowledging the other players who have worn it before her and the weight that it carries beyond just her name.
The decision to retire Clark’s number comes as no surprise, given her outstanding performance on the court and the impact she has had on the program. Athletic director Beth Goetz made the announcement in a celebratory event honoring Clark and the rest of this year’s Hawkeyes. Clark’s accomplishments, including breaking records and leading her team to success, have solidified her place in the history of Iowa women’s basketball and the overall NCAA.
Clark’s legacy at Iowa will continue to be remembered and celebrated, as her number 22 will hang in the rafters alongside other legendary players. Her impact on the program and the sport of basketball as a whole is undeniable, and her future in the WNBA looks bright. Despite the disappointment of falling short in the national championship game, Clark’s career will be remembered for her talent, dedication, and leadership both on and off the court.
As she prepares for the next chapter of her basketball career in the WNBA, Caitlin Clark remains grateful for the opportunities she has had at Iowa and the support of her teammates and coaches. Her record-setting performances and leadership have left an indelible mark on the program, and she will be remembered as one of the greatest players in school history. The retirement of her number 22 is a fitting tribute to her impact on the sport and her contributions to the University of Iowa.
