“That number holds a lot of weight.” Although Caitlin Clark chose her Iowa jersey number based on her birthdate, January 22, she truly understands just what wearing that jersey meant. Wearing the No. 22, the Des Moines born broke over 42 records, placed her program on the map, and brought them to back-to-back National Championship Game. And while the forever-humble CC is well-aware of how she has rewritten the playbook for women’s basketball, she wouldn’t take all the credits. Hence, her alma mater Iowa announced they will hang her jersey in the rafters for no one to ever wear it again. And the former No. 22’s couldn’t agree more.

A few weeks ago, Iowa made it official, announcing that February 2, 2025, would be the day their star player’s #22 would be retired. It’s all set to happen during Iowa’s matchup against USC at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, with a tipoff at 1:30 PM ET, and it’ll be nationally televised on FOX. 

The love and respect from Clark are being reciprocated by the former No. 22 jerseys that have worked wonders with the Hawkeyes as well. Both Logic and Doyle are incredibly proud to see it retired in her name. They recognize that Caitlin elevated the program to new heights. “She took us to the moon, honestly,” said Doyle. “Sam and I were good, but Caitlin really took it over the top.”

Logic echoed those sentiments, saying, “It’s been a good number. It’s been a good legacy passed on. Obviously, it’s going to be not worn again. Rightfully so.” Logic wore the number from 2011 to 2015 and was a McDonald’s All-American who led the team to the Sweet 16.

 She’s now an assistant coach at Oregon. Meanwhile, Doyle wore the number until 2020 and was often compared to Logic in terms of their playing style. While they helped pave the way, Caitlin took the program to places it had never been before. 

With the big day nearly here, it’s clear that this honor is well-deserved, not just for the Indiana Fever star, but for the history of the jersey. Previously, CC made sure to honor the players who wore it before her, saying, “There’s been a lot of good 22s who have come before me…whether it was Kathleen Doyle or Sam Logic. That number holds a lot of weight, far beyond me.”

With her amazing college stats and impact, the guard’s legacy goes well beyond what those before her achieved. And the fact that she didn’t stop there. Her transition to the WNBA was just as phenomenal.

But you know, the 23-year-old’s jersey retirement won’t be the only historic moment that day. South Carolina is also retiring A’ja Wilson’s jersey on the same day.

After A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark, who’s next?

Lately, it seems like it’s a season of jersey retirements, and it’s been long overdue. Kelsey Plum recently had her No. 10 jersey retired by the University of Washington, becoming the first Huskies women’s basketball player to have her number in the rafters. 

A few days later, Las Vegas Aces draft pick Elizabeth Kitley had hers retired at Virginia Tech. And now, the Fever Guard and Aces Center are next in line. But who could be the next player to join this elite group?

Per ESPN, Sabrina Ionescu’s No. 20 at Oregon could be next. Oregon doesn’t retire jerseys often, but Sab’s impact on the program is undeniable. She’s the only NCAA player in history, men’s or women’s, with 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 1,000 assists. 

Next, we’ve got Angel Reese at LSU. The Tigers have only retired two jerseys, but Reese, who led LSU to their first NCAA championship in 2023, could definitely be next. In just two seasons, she averaged 20.9 points and 14.4 rebounds per game, and her 61 double-doubles are second-most in LSU history.

Finally, what about Nneka Ogwumike? Nneka, an MVP in the WNBA and President of the Players Association made a huge impact at Stanford. So, let’s see if these retirements actually happen.

For now, get ready for Caitlin Clark and Wilson’s big day. It’s going to be a historic moment for the sport itself, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.