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Last Updated On: May 03, 2025 11:25 AM , Published On: Feb 03, 2025 06:25 AM
Today’s news comes from the Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. Caitlin Clark was honored with esteemed recognition by the Iowa Hawkeyes at her jersey retirement ceremony, with the crowd cheering at high pitch.
Caitlin Clark’s Jersey Retired
On Sunday afternoon, Iowa Hawkeyes retired Caitlin Clark’s jersey in a prestigious jersey retirement ceremony held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. Hawkeyes pulled off a signature 76-69 Big Ten victory.
Clark was made to slide on a varsity jacket with emblems of her high school, college, and professional teams to bracket a silver necklace outlining the state of Iowa.
Clark’s jersey lifted to the rafters between Megan Gustafson and the banners for the 2023 and 2024 national championship runner-up teams she managed. A video montage played of fans thanking and congratulating Clark. Clark smiled and celebrated.
“Caitlin, you may be in Indiana now, But you’re always a Hawkeye.” Bluder said.
Clark's Jersey Retirement Ceremony Attendees
Clark’s former teammates Kate Martin, Gabbie Marshall, and Monika Czinano grace the ceremony with their presence. Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White and chief operating officer Amber Cox watched their star player as they attended the ceremony. David Letterman, a native of Clark’s new home in Indianapolis, Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder, and many others were the attendees.
Caitlin Clark's Legacy Continues to Grow
Caitlin Clark, the NCAA's all-time leading scorer, had her jersey retired by the University of Iowa. The ceremony took place during a game between Iowa and USC, with Clark in the spotlight. Clark felt emotional and significant as she received applause from a wider audience for her legacy and contributions to women's basketball, inspiring future generations of basketball players and fans.
Clark's Impact on Women's Basketball
Caitlin Clark played and worked to pave the way for investment in women’s basketball. Her role as an advocate of women playing basketball was recognized.
“[It’s about] just how much things change for not only our program but for how much things changed for women’s basketball in my time here,” Clark said.
“You’ve done more in the last four years than anybody could imagine. You’ve showed people why it’s wise to invest in women’s sports. Why it’s wise to invest in women. It’s not only the right thing to do, but it’s the smart thing to do.” Bluder said.
A Jam-Packed Crowd at Carver-Hawkeye Arena
The game and ceremony were held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. The arena was jam-packed with the crowd roaring high and tapping shutters on their phone, capturing the moments. The event drew a sold-out crowd, with fans eager to see Clark's jersey retired. Tickets were in high demand, with prices soaring to 223% after the ceremony was announced.
Tricia Homann, a lifelong Iowa fan, said, “I would pay $1,200,” Homann told Yahoo Sports. “It’s Caitlin and JuJu. How often are you going to see both of them in the same house?”
Clark's Express her Gratitude
Caitlin Clark expressed her gratitude and said her heartiest thanks to the fans, her teammates, and coaches for their unwavering support throughout her career at Iowa Hawkeyes. She also acknowledged her successful role in the betterment of women's basketball.
“It’s fun for me to come back and just say thank you to everybody that poured so much into me and allowed me to be great, I want to say thank you to everybody that’s here today,” Clark told the crowd during the ceremony. “It means a lot to me and I know it probably wasn’t cheap to get in the door.” Clark said.
What's in Store for Clark's Future
Clark reminded her fans of her future return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena in May with the Indiana Fever for a preseason exhibition game against the Brazilian national team. Fans are already looking forward to the event, with Clark warning them to "save up" for tickets.