“There will never be another 22,” Iowa wrote on their X (formerly Twitter) when Caitlin Clark made her big announcement that she was heading to the WNBA draft. What followed that was an incredible rookie season in the W, but even before that, CC had already built something lasting at Iowa that would never be forgotten. She transformed the program’s status. Although she didn’t grab the ultimate trophy, her career was one for the books. 

Hence, to honor it, the Iowa Hawkeyes did something pretty special. Just three days after the emotional end of her NCAA run, which saw them fall short in the national championship game against South Carolina, Iowa announced that they would retire Caitlin Clark’s No. 22 jersey. 

It was a historic moment. Clark’s jersey would join just two others in Iowa’s history: Megan Gustafson and Michelle Edwards. On X, Iowa wrote, “There will never be another Caitlin Clark, and there will never be another 22.” The 23-year-old guard herself took to social media to express her gratitude, saying she was “very thankful” for the honor. 

She also took a moment to shout out to those who wore the No. 22 jersey before her, like Kathleen Doyle and Sam Logic, acknowledging the weight of the number. Although the date for the actual retirement ceremony hasn’t been announced yet, it’s could be just around the corner. But how do we know that?

A few eagle-eyed fans at Iowa’s first game of the 2024-25 season noticed something that set off a social media frenzy: Caitlin Clark’s No. 22 jersey appeared to be already hanging in the rafters, just waiting to be unveiled. And, obviously, fans couldn’t contain their excitement. They took to Twitter, speculating and sharing their thoughts on what this could mean for the ceremony to come. 

Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement, Fans eagerly anticipate the big moment

One fan chimed in, saying, “Would be sweet with CC in attendance when Juju and SC comes to town.” Carolina comes to Iowa on February 3, 2025, and that’s a solid idea. JuJu has been breaking Caitlin’s records one after another, and the two are already being compared. So what could be better than having them both in the same arena as the #22 retired?

But before that, the Hawkeyes have a home game against Indiana on January 13, 2025, and one fan pointed out, “they have a home game vs indiana in january… maybe then?” Clark now plays for the Indiana Fever, meaning her old and new home would be represented all at once. If that happens, it would be a full-circle moment for her.

Another fan jokingly brought up, “I’ve been wondering if/when they’re gonna build her a statue.” And honestly, they could. She has had a long list of accolades, including an NCAA all-time scoring record in her name. And it’s not just her on-court talents, her leadership and the bond she had with her teammates were always valued by former head coach Lisa Bluder. 

A statue won’t be that of a surprise for someone who left such an imprint on the program. A fourth fan’s response was pure emotion—“Oh my goodness 🥹.” It’s no wonder that people are getting so emotional. They have been right alongside her every step of the way, from her first days at Iowa to her success in the WNBA. For them, this moment is the sum of years of watching someone grow into a legend.

And then there’s some who were hoping the big day to land on Caitlin’s birthday—January 22. “they have a game on her birthday but it’s an away game, that woulda been so perfect,” one fan wrote. Unfortunately, Iowa has an away game against Washington, so the chances are next to impossible. 

But wouldn’t it have been perfect to have the ceremony then? Still, what we know for now is Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement is definitely coming. The exact date might be announced soon, but no matter when it happens, it’s going to be an unforgettable moment for everyone who’s followed her amazing journey.