The Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team has announced its retirement Caitlin Clarks Jersey February 2.
Clark’s No. 22, which she wears for the Indiana feverwill hang from the rafters of Carver-Hawkeye Arena after a ceremony honoring the program’s most accomplished player.
Clark is expected to attend and the event will be broadcast on FOX.
“I am forever proud to be a Hawkeye, and Iowa holds a special place in my heart that is bigger than just basketball,” Clark said. in the announcement.
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“It means a lot to me to receive this honor and celebrate it with my family, friends and alumni. It will be a great feeling to look up between the beams and see my jersey next to the jerseys I have admired for so long. “
Guard Caitlin Clark of the Iowa Hawkeyes signs autographs after a game against the Minnesota Gophers at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on December 30, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
In four seasons at Iowa, Clark broke the all-time NCAA scoring record among both men’s and women’s players, leading the team to the NCAA championship game twice. She was also a consensus National Player of the Year as a junior and senior.
Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz and renowned alumni Henry and Patricia Tippie praised Clark’s contributions in a joint statement.
Guard Caitlin Clark of the Iowa Hawkeyes signs autographs for fans as she leaves the court after a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 3, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
“Caitlin Clark has not only redefined excellence on the field, but has also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and determination,” the statement said.
“Her remarkable achievements left an indelible mark on the University of Iowa and the world of women’s basketball. Retirement of her number is a testament to her extraordinary contributions and a celebration of her legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Hawkeye fans want I’d like to say thank you for so many incredible moments.”
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Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever poses for a photo with Lin Dunn and Christie Sides during her introductory press conference on April 17, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Clark was selected by the Fever with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft following her career at Iowa.
As a WNBA rookie in 2024, Clark set records for most points and three-pointers by a rookie in league history, while also becoming the first rookie to record a triple-double, a feat she accomplished twice. Her 337 assists were not only the most by a rookie, they were also the most by any player ever in a single season.
Clark’s jersey retirement comes just two months after Time Magazine named her Athlete of the Year. The decision drew praise but also criticism from some, including Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson recently wondered in a CNN interview about why Clark was chosen for the honor and not the entire WNBA. Johnson suggested it had to do with Clark’s race.
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