Iowa acknowledges Caitlin Clark as among its greatest college basketball athletes. Before she enters the professional realm of the sport, the school bestowed her with the honor of retiring her famed No.22 jersey in front of a sold-out Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This makes Clark only one of 3 players in the program’s history to receive such a monumental distinction. The other two are Megan Gustafson and Michelle Edwards.

Following this, the 6 ft guard shared her special moment with the fans. While attending the crowd amounting to almost 8000, Clark said, “I would say you all inspired me just as much as I inspired you. You allowed me to live out my dream every single day. For that, I’m forever thankful. Thank You. It’s been very special and this place will always be a home to me.” 

Clark closed her NCAA career by grabbing 3,951 points and dishing out a total of 1,144 assists. In addition to this, she was a proud recipient of an All-American status in each of her respective campaigns. Further, in the past week, she claimed the Wooden Award National Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Also, Clark was again voted as the Player of the Year in the poll conducted by AP and is also the Naismith College Player of the Year.

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Meanwhile, it is not only what she achieved on the court that has won her this much admiration.

What has been Caitlin Clark’s effect beyond the hardwood?

The magic that Iowa’s iconic No.22 has displayed on the court has left an enduring imprint on the spectators. As it turns out, the thrill of witnessing her in action drew 238,620 fans at the time of the regular season. Further, at the “Crossover at Kinnick” outdoor exhibition game at Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium in October, a single-game attendance record at a women’s basketball game was set with 55,646 fans in attendance.

In the meantime, the Carver-Hawkeye Arena experienced two soldouts during the March Madness and a whopping 28,764 was the highest number at any weekend venue in the NCAA tournament.

The unprecedented popularity of Caitlin Clark is proof of how she has transformed the women’s division of college basketball. With a new journey just days away from her grasp, she’ll look back and be mighty pleased with what she’s accomplished. Moreover, the emotions she was able to evoke in people have been truly commendable.

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