The NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer has bid farewell to college basketball. After spending 4 historic seasons at Iowa, the 6 ft guard extended a final goodbye to her fans on Wednesday. However, her departure from this elite basketball program had one last honor coming her way. After a series of personal accolades throughout the year along with boosting Iowa’s economy, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft received a special going-away present from Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz.

Caitlin Clark has become the third player after Megan Gustafson and Michelle Edwards to have her jersey retired in the program’s history. Goetz made this official during the end-of-season celebration at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena. With Lisa Bluder and the rest of the Hawkeyes in attendance, she said, “We always knew your jersey would be hanging in the rafters. It is a privilege for me to now make that official. You will be the last to wear No. 22.”

Following the announcement, approximately 8,000 fans present were filled with joy and gave Clark a standing ovation. Soon after, the two-time national player of the year expressed her gratitude for the tribute. Clark went on and said, “It’s super incredible, something I’m very thankful for.”

Clark mentioned the other legendary players like Kathleen Doyle or Sam Logic who wore the No.22 and contributed to the program’s success before her. Then, soaking in the moment, she concluded, “That number holds a lot of weight, far beyond me. I’m really grateful, and it will be a special day when it happens.” 

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Meanwhile, this development was not the only headline for the evening.

Caitlin Clark boosts Iowa’s economic state of affairs

Not only did Caitlin Clark give Iowa national recognition but also contributed to elevating its financial state. The Iowa City mayor said in a statement that the women’s college basketball team has managed to generate a whopping $82 million throughout the season. This is evident by the fact that Iowa’s games at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena have been sold-out affairs and the ticket prices have gone off the roof. All this just to witness the super-talented No.22 in action.

The impression that Caitlin Clark has left not only in Iowa but in the rest of the country will forever be everlasting. Now as she sets herself to showcase the same magic on the professional court, fans are hopeful the impact is the same. There is a very remote possibility that Iowa gets a superstar who inspires the future generation the way she did.

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