Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement at Iowa wasn’t just a celebration—it was a coronation. The moment her No. 22 rose into the rafters of Carver-Hawkeye Arena, it symbolized not only her historic career but the seismic shift she created in women’s basketball. The crowd, packed with fans who had witnessed her rise, erupted in cheers, their voices echoing through the arena like a final, resounding applause. But amid all the noise, the quietest reactions spoke the loudest.

Her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, and her Indiana Fever teammate, Aaliyah Boston, both took to Instagram with the exact same words: “So happy for you 22” McCaffery’s post, showing him hugging Clark in the arena, captured the pride and love between them, while Boston’s story featured a photo of Clark in the stadium, marking the moment her jersey took its place in Hawkeye history. The simplicity of their messages made them even more powerful—a pure, unfiltered appreciation for Clark, not just as a record-breaker but as a person.

For Clark, the jersey retirement wasn’t just about individual accolades. It was about the journey—the teammates, coaches, and fans who had been with her every step of the way. “Such a special day, surrounded by all my favorite people,” she wrote on Instagram, sharing a series of photos from the event.

“Feeling incredibly overwhelmed by the love and support from everyone—thank you, Hawkeye Nation 🫶🏻 22.” The images showed her standing alongside Lisa Bluder, her former coach, posing with family, and even wiping away a tear as she addressed the crowd.

Caitlin Clark’s legacy: From Hawkeye greatness to WNBA game-changer

And it was all well deserved considering the fact that Caitlin Clark led the Iowa Hawkeyes to their first two national championship appearances and two of their three Final Four runs since 1993. She didn’t just play for Iowa—she transformed the program, rewriting record books and changing the landscape of women’s basketball.

Her former coach, Lisa Bluder, gave Clark the freedom to be great, a trust reflected in the staggering 548 three-pointers she made from 1,452 attempts. And Clark paid it all back by elevating the Hawkeyes to unprecedented heights.

During her jersey retirement ceremony, Bluder’s words captured the magnitude of her impact:“I’ve spent my entire career trying to empower young women. That’s what it’s all about. You’ve done more of that in the last four years than anybody could imagine. … You’ve showed everyone that you need to invest in women’s sports, why it’s wise to invest in women. It’s not only the right thing to do. It’s the smart thing to do.”

Clark’s influence has only grown since turning pro. In just one WNBA season with the Indiana Fever, the league has seen a surge in attendance, media coverage, and fan engagement. ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike put it best: “Clark doesn’t just move the needle—she is the needle.”

Clark has already turned down an NBA All-Star Weekend invitation, opting instead to compete in the WNBA’s contest. She’s not chasing moments—she’s creating them.Caitlin Clark’s story is far from over. The next chapter? It’s already being written.