Iowa to retire Caitlin Clark’s jersey number


The Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team announced it will retire Caitlin Clark’s jersey on February 2.

Clark’s number 22, which he wears for the Indiana Fever, will hang from the rafters of Carver-Hawkeye Arena after a ceremony honoring the program’s most outstanding player.

Clark is expected to attend and the event will air on FOX.

“I will always be proud to be a Hawkeye, and Iowa holds a special place in my heart that is bigger than just basketball,” Clark said in the announcement.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com

“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 in the rafters and see my jersey next to those I have admired for so long.”

Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark signs autographs after a game against the Minnesota Gophers at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Dec. 30, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

In four seasons at Iowa, Clark broke the all-time NCAA scoring record between men’s and women’s players, leading the team to the NCAA championship twice. She was also voted consensus National Player of the Year as a junior and senior.

Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz and famed alumni Henry and Patricia Tippie praised Clark’s contributions in a joint statement.

WNBA STAR CAITLIN CLARK NAMED ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AFTER HISTORIC SEASON: ‘JUST SCRATCHING THE SURFACE’

Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark signs autographs for fans as she leaves the court after a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 3, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

“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,” the statement said.

“Her remarkable accomplishments 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 they’re looking forward to “Say thank you for so many amazing moments.”

Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark poses for a photo with Lin Dunn and Christie Sides during her introductory press conference on April 17, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

Clark was selected with the No. 1 pick in this year’s WNBA Draft by the Fever following her career at Iowa.

As a WNBA rookie in 2024, Clark set records for most points and triples by a rookie in league history, while also becoming the first rookie to record a triple-double, a feat she accomplished twice. times. His 337 assists were not only the most by a rookie, but they were the most by any player in a single season.

Clark’s jersey retirement will come just two months after Time magazine named her the publication’s Athlete of the Year. The decision drew praise but also criticism from some, including Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson, who recently questioned in a CNN interview why Clark was chosen for the honor and not the entire WNBA. Johnson suggested it had to do with Clark’s race.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *