Carver-Hawkeye Arena was filled with excitement as Iowa’s basketball legend, Caitlin Clark, had her No. 22 jersey retired, marking a historic moment in the school’s basketball history.
As the crowd stood in awe, Clark joined Megan Gustafson and Michelle Edwards as only the third Hawkeye to have their jersey raised to the rafters. However, while today was all about celebrating Clark, the Indiana Fever made headlines earlier in the day with major moves in the WNBA.
Indiana Fever’s championship push: Key additions this offseason
While Clark’s jersey retirement took center stage, the Indiana Fever are making serious strides in building a championship-contending team around her future potential. They recently signed two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner to a one-year contract, bolstering their lineup.
This signing, along with previous additions like Natasha Howard and Sophie Cunningham, signals that the Fever are all-in on pushing for a title next season.
Caitlin Clark, clearly impressed by the Fever’s offseason decisions, expressed her excitement.
“Obviously, you know we have made some great moves. I think Kelly and Amber and the whole Fever organization are wanting to help us win now, and I think they’re putting some really great pieces together that are going to complement each other really well,” Clark explained.
The additions of Bonner, who averaged 15.0 points and 6 rebounds per game last season, and Howard, who put up 17.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game with the Dallas Wings, demonstrate the Fever’s strong intent to build a winning roster.
As the fever around the Indiana Fever’s offseason subsides, it was Caitlin Clark’s moment to shine today. Her No. 22 jersey took its rightful place among Iowa’s basketball greats, and the day was filled with reflection on her unparalleled contributions to the game. Iowa Athletic Director Beth Goetz shared the significance of the moment.
“It’s nice to be able to celebrate somebody in the moment- as close to that moment as you can because you don’t always have that opportunity,” Goetz told NBC Sports.
Goetz’s words capture how extraordinary Clark’s legacy truly is. While many legends wait decades for their jersey retirement, Iowa’s swift decision to honor Clark is a testament to her transformative impact on college basketball. Clark’s record-breaking performances and leadership have not only shaped Iowa’s program but also left an indelible mark on the sport as a whole.
Today, as her jersey rises to the rafters, fans are reminded of just how far Caitlin Clark has taken the game- and how much more she will inspire the next generation of athletes to come.
Read the full article here
