Iowa women’s basketball will retire Caitlin Clark’s No 22 jersey on February 2, less than 30 games after she played her final contest with the program.
Clark spent four seasons as a Hawkeye from, 2020 until this April, and headed to the WNBA as arguably the greatest women’s college basketball player of all-time.
During her four years at Iowa, the program reached new heights with Clark at the helm with two national-championship game appearances in 2023 and earlier this year.
‘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 via news release. ‘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.’
Iowa will be taking on USC in Big Ten at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on the day Clark’s jersey goes to the rafters.
Clark is likely one of the youngest basketball players in NCAA history to have her jersey retired by her school, as she will have just turned 23 a few weeks before the ceremony.
Iowa women’s basketball will retire Caitlin Clark ‘s No 22 jersey on February 2 against USC
Typically, jersey retirements are saved for several years after a player leaves a program to give their legacy time to develop elsewhere.
In Clark’s case, while her accolades only skyrocket, Iowa has made the decision to honor one of the greatest athletes to ever step on campus earlier than expected.
‘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,’ said Beth Goetz, Iowa’s Director of Athletics via news release.
‘Her remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the University of Iowa and the world of women’s basketball. Retiring her number is a testament to her extraordinary contributions and a celebration of her legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Hawkeye fans are eager to say thank you for so many incredible moments.’
Earlier this month, Clark became the first female basketball player to be named TIME’s Athlete of the Year, following LeBron James, who was given the honor in 2020.
