Caitlin Clark’s legendary No. 22now hangs in the rafters at the University of Iowa, a lasting reminder of her storied career with the Hawkeyes. Clark, who finished as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history, left an undeniable mark on the program, leading Iowa to back-to-back national championship games and rewriting the record books along the way. Her jersey retirement came with a fitting backdrop – a thrilling Iowa upset of No. 4 USC, 76-69, in a game that featured JuJu Watkins, the phenom who could one day surpass Clark’s scoring record. The win was Iowa’s biggest of the season, adding an extra layer of celebration to an already emotional day.
Clark’s $88,000 Gesture Honors Iowa
While Clark’s impact on the court is well documented, her connection to Iowa goes beyond basketball. To commemorate her jersey retirement, she announced a major charitable gesture: four $22,000 grants to local nonprofits through the Caitlin Clark Foundation. The grants will support the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, the Coralville Community Food Pantry, the Boys and Girls Club of the Corridor, and Special Olympics Iowa – East Central. Clark has worked with each of these organizations in the past, whether through donations, fundraising or personal visits – especially at Children’s Hospital, where she has formed lasting bonds with young patients.
“One of my favorite things about Iowa City is the way the community supports each other,” Clark said. “It’s important to me to stay connected and continue to give back.” Mary Coffin, president of the Caitlin Clark Foundation, echoed that sentiment, highlighting how the grants align with the foundation’s mission to empower youth through education, nutrition and athletics. Clark’s generosity shows that while she has moved on to the WNBA, her heart remains in Iowa.
The Big Game with Clark as Observer
On the court, the retirement ceremony was set against a dramatic game in which Iowa upset fourth-ranked USC. The Hawkeyes jumped out to an early 17-point lead, only to watch USC battle back and take control by halftime. With JuJu Watkins leading the Trojans with 27 points, USC seemed poised to escape with the win, but Iowa dominated down the stretch, outscoring USC 27-12 in the fourth quarter. It was a signature win for first-year head coach Jan Jensen, and with Clark in attendance, the atmosphere was electric. As Clark prepares for her second season in the WNBA, expectations are high. After winning Rookie of the Year honors and helping the Indiana Fever return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, she’s poised to make an even bigger leap.
Read the full article here
