In front of her former coach Lisa Bluder, her current Fever coach Stephanie White, and a packed crowd of 14,998, Caitlin Clark’s #22 went up to the rafters, immortalizing the impact and legacy she’s built at Iowa. While the arena buzzed with excitement, even the rivals couldn’t walk away. JuJu Watkins and the USC Trojans stuck around even after the upset to witness Clark’s moment and pay their respects.

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb explained why they stayed, saying, “To honor her [Caitlin] and what women’s basketball is.” She added that although they’re writing their own story, there’s a special synergy in women’s basketball, a lot of which has come from Clark’s influence.

“So congratulations to her, nothing I can say that hasn’t been said, but the respect she has shown us and the humanity she’s shown us, I’m definitely a fan,” Gottlieb shared, emphasizing just how far-reaching Clark’s impact really is.

Watkins, who had the exact same reaction, said, “I’m a big fan of Caitlin. I’m happy to see her get her flowers.”

It shows that CC’s influence goes beyond just her collegiate career achievements and stats (which are amazing, though!). The path she’s paved, the legacy she’s created, and most importantly, the heart she’s shown have earned the admiration of everyone around her.  

And her coaches couldn’t be more proud. When Iowa HC Jan Jensen (who was associate coach at her time) looks back at her journey with Clark, it’s clear this was a special player from the start. Jensen shared how she first saw Clark as a freshman at West Des Moines Dowling High School, and you could tell from that moment that something great was about to happen. “Caitlin, she’s truly generational. She changed the world,” she said.

Former head coach Lisa Bluder put it perfectly, talking about how Clark’s impact goes way beyond personal achievement. “The positive image that you’ve brought to this basketball program, this university, this state, and women’s basketball nationally, is unmeasurable,” Bluder said.

Meanwhile, you could tell the Indiana Fever star was feeling all kinds of emotions throughout the jersey retirement ceremony, especially with her alma mater pulling off the unexpected 76-69 win. She was all smiles, but, in a pregame press conference, she admitted it was a little emotional for her. 

“I feel like I already have those butterflies in your stomach when you walk in here,” Clark said. “I don’t have to go and compete for 40 minutes, even though I wish maybe I could. I think it will definitely be a little bit more emotional that I don’t have to compete.”

But, even though her dream of playing for Iowa will not be possible for the obvious reason, she’ll soon be back on the University court. 

Caitlin Clark’s wish comes true, Indiana Fever to play at Iowa

Caitlin Clark is about to live the dream of playing at Iowa once again, but this time, it’s in a Fever jersey and against an international team. Yes, the Indiana Fever have announced that they’re adding a preseason game to their 2025 schedule, and it’s going to be at none other than Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. 

This exciting game is set for May 4 at 6 p.m. ET, vs the Brazilian National Team. Kelly Krauskopf, the Fever’s President of Basketball Operations, couldn’t contain her excitement. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to play at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and we know Iowa fans will deliver an unforgettable homecoming for Caitlin,” she said. “Countless Hawkeye fans have become Fever fans, and we consider them family. That’s what will make this preseason matchup so special for us.”

And no doubt, CC was just as hyped about the game. She kept it short and sweet on social media, tweeting a simple “Yes” when the Fever’s official X account asked, “Iowa, are you ready?”

Until now, the 2024 ROTY has been all over Iowa, playing in huge venues, including Kinnick Stadium, where she helped set a new women’s basketball attendance record. But this will be the first time Indiana plays a game at Iowa. 

Not to forget, tickets for the Fever’s preseason game will be sold through the university, with more details coming soon.

So, in one way or another, Caitlin Clark will continue to bring Iowa into the spotlight. And her ties with the program will always be a big part of her journey.