A new proposal could see a monument honoring Caitlin Clark and Lisa Bluder built on the grounds of the Iowa Capitol.
On Monday, State Representative Carter Nordman introduced House File 203, aiming to commemorate the achievements of Clark, Iowa’s all-time basketball star, and Bluder, the Hawkeyes‘ legendary head coach.
Nordman emphasized the duo’s influence on both the sport and the state of Iowa, advocating for their place in history.
“These two women have brought great pride and attention to our state and women’s sports,” Nordman wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “They deserve a place at their Capitol for Iowans to honor their incredible accomplishments.”
The monument would recognize their historic contributions, cementing their legacy as key figures in the growth of women’s basketball.
Lisa Bluder’s Storied Career and Clark’s Historic Rise
Bluder, one of the most successful coaches in women’s college basketball, announced her retirement following the 2023-24 season, closing out a 40-year coaching career.
She spent 24 seasons at the helm of Iowa’s program, finishing as the winningest coach in Big Ten history with 884 victories.
She previously coached at Drake University and St. Ambrose University, shaping multiple generations of players and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
One of Bluder‘s most significant coaching achievements was mentoring Caitlin Clark, who became one of the most dominant players in NCAA history.
Clark shattered the all-time NCAA Division I scoring record while leading Iowa to back-to-back NCAA Tournament championship game appearances.
She also helped the Hawkeyes secure three consecutive Big Ten Tournament titles, bringing unprecedented attention to the program and women’s basketball as a whole.
Her record-breaking performances attracted record viewership numbers and packed arenas, making her one of the most influential athletes to ever emerge from the state.
How the Monument Would Be Funded
To fund the project, House File 203 proposes a tax credit program that would encourage public donations.
Under the plan, individuals or businesses that contribute to the monument’s construction would receive a 25% tax credit. The bill would allocate a total of $1 million in tax credits, with individual contributors able to claim up to $50,000 in credits.
If approved, the initiative would allow Iowans to play a direct role in financing the tribute while benefiting from tax incentives.
Iowa’s Previous Honors for Caitlin Clark
Clark’s achievements have already been recognized by the Iowa Legislature. In 2024, lawmakers unanimously passed House Resolution 110, officially declaring February 22 as Caitlin Clark Day in the state.
The resolution cited the Hawkeyes‘ multiple Big Ten championships and their 2023 national championship runner-up finish, highlighting Clark‘s significant contributions to Iowa’s basketball success.
If House File 203 is approved, the proposed monument would serve as a lasting tribute to both Clark and Bluder, ensuring their impact on Iowa sports and women’s basketball is remembered for generations to come.
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