Even when she is not playing, Caitlin Clark always finds a way to stay close to basketball. Her passion for the hardcourt action was evident on Wednesday. As the Big Ten Tournament got underway, Clark was back at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. No longer the one hitting logo threes or orchestrating fast breaks, but sitting among the crowd, just like another devoted Hawkeye fan, proving that her heart still beats for the black and gold. “She’s a big reason why they’ve had so much success over the last couple of years in this tournament,” a commentator pointed out as Clark cheered on her alma mater.

Many teams outside Iowa would be glad that Clark is just a mere spectator on this occasion and not dropping a bucket full of points on the court. The Indiana Fever star dominated the Big Ten during her college career with the Hawkeyes.  The Hawkeyes had a record of 55-18 in Big Ten play while Clark was there, and won the Big Ten Tournament three times (2022-2024). Though her WNBA career has taken to Indiana, she continues to be a frequent presence in the stands for Iowa. And guess what? Less than 24 hours after witnessing them brush aside Wisconsin, was back again for Iowa’s next game proving her loyalty to the program—and the place that shaped her—remains as strong as ever.

Sports columnist Chad Leistikow caught the moment, tweeting, “Caitlin Clark & Connor McCaffery on the court pregame for Iowa-Michigan State, along with Caitlin’s mom.” While it was not a surprise that Clark was the center of attention once the game got underway, it was her exchanges with the referee even as a spectator during Thursday’s game that became a talking point.

Clark was caught on camera clapping at a referee and screaming, “That’s a bad call!” Clearly still passionate about Iowa, still participating in every play even from the stands. But that was not all.

Iowa player Ava Heiden received a pass from Lucy Olsen and made the layup while getting the foul call with about a minute left in the third quarter. Shortly after the call, Clark could be seen giving a double thumbs-up to the referee, perhaps being sarcastic. Clark’s presence for Iowa, as it has many times before, proved to be lucky. The Hawkeyes advanced to the quarterfinal round of the Big Ten Tournament overcoming Michigan  74-61 as the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year watched on. After the game, the Fever star shared a heartfelt embrace with Jada Gyamfi, whom she had shared championship runs with.

The last three times she’s been in the stands, the Hawkeyes walked away with wins. Her most recent regular-season visit? February 2, when Iowa retired her No. 22 jersey before upsetting top-5-ranked USC, 76-69. She was also there for the Hawkeyes’ Nov. 17 game against Drake, another win, 86-73.

Her influence was just as strong on Iowa’s Senior Day, even though she wasn’t physically in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Instead, her parents, Brent and Anne Clark were there, continuing to support the program that shaped their daughter into a generational talent. From leading the nation in scoring and assists multiple times to becoming the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, Clark’s legacy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the moments that made Iowa basketball special.

Last Sunday, Iowa raised her legendary No. 22 to the rafters, her parents stood proudly by her side, witnessing history. Brent and Anne, who had been there for every record-breaking performance and unforgettable game, watched as their daughter received one of the highest honors in college basketball. For Caitlin, this wasn’t just about individual success—it was about the people who had supported her every step of the way.

And it’s not just Iowa she’s showing up for.

On the night before, she had already played double duty, bouncing between Iowa’s win over Wisconsin and Butler’s showdown with Xavier, supporting her boyfriend Connor McCaffery.

Caitlin Clark shows up for her boyfriend’s family at Butler

Clark was also spotted at Butler, racing between games to support his Butler in the game against Xavier. Connor McCaffrey is the assistant coach for Butler, but Clark had another special reason to be at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

It was the Senior Night for Patrick McCaffery, Connor’s younger brother. Patrick, who overcame a battle with cancer as a teenager, presumably played his final college game, and Clark made sure she was there. 

Now with the Indiana Fever, Clark has started the next chapter of her career, but she hasn’t forgotten where she came from. Whether it’s cheering on former teammates, supporting close friends, or having her family proudly in the stands, her bond with Iowa remains unbreakable.