Caitlin Clark, the 22-year-old basketball prodigy, is on the verge of having her jersey retired at her alma mater. This remarkable honor is a testament to her extraordinary achievements on the court and the indelible mark she has left on the University of Iowa and the world of women's basketball.

Honoring a Basketball Icon

The college made the exciting announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 18. In a Feb. 2, 2025 ceremony, Time Athlete of the Year Caitlin Clark will be celebrated, and her No. 22 Iowa jersey will be retired. Clark herself expressed her pride, stating, "I'm forever proud to be a Hawkeye, and Iowa holds a special place in my heart that is bigger than just basketball." She continued, "It means the world to me to receive this honor and share it with my family, friends, and alumni. Looking up at the rafters and seeing my jersey alongside those I've admired for so long will be a great feeling."

Defining Excellence on the Court

Caitlin Clark has not only redefined excellence but has also inspired countless young athletes. Beth Goetz, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair, emphasized, "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. Her remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the University of Iowa and the world of women's basketball."Clark's college basketball tenure was nothing short of spectacular. She led her Iowa Hawkeyes to the NCAA Women's College Basketball Championship game on April 7. Just days later, she became the first pick in the WNBA Draft. Since then, she has been selected for the WNBA All-Star Game and won the WNBA Rookie of the Year.As a rookie, Clark started all 40 games for the Fever. She averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.33 steals. She led the rookie class in assists, points, steals, and minutes played this season. Clark set a WNBA record for most assists in a single season with 337, and she also finished with 122 three-pointers, just shy of the 128 league record. These achievements showcase her exceptional skills and competitiveness.

Inspiring Future Generations

Retiring Clark's number is a powerful gesture that celebrates her legacy. It will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. As Goetz said, "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."The school's celebratory Instagram video on Dec. 18 further emphasized the significance of this honor. The simple caption, "To the rafters. 2.2.25 #Hawkeyes," captured the essence of the moment.Caitlin Clark's story is one of determination, excellence, and inspiration. Her legacy at the University of Iowa will be remembered for years to come, and her impact on the world of women's basketball is undeniable.