Caitlin Clark made an emotional return to the University of Iowa on Sunday, bringing her Indiana Fever team to Carver-Hawkeye Arena for an exhibition game against the Brazilian national team, as the 23-year-old fondly remembered her old stomping ground.
The event was a homecoming for the Iowa legend, who has become a household name in women’s basketball and proved why she’s so highly regarded by putting up 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists as the Fever dominated with a resounding 108-44 victory.
It was much to the delight of the packed crowd that filled the arena with energy for the landmark return for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, who has been nursing a minor injury.
Her emotional connection with the Iowa fans was what truly made the day unforgettable and after the game, she shared a heartfelt message on social media to them.
“What a day in Iowa City,” Clark said via X.com, formerly Twitter. “Can’t say thank you enough to everyone who made it special for myself, but also my teammates… FEV SHOWWW.”
Clark feels the love from Iowa crowd
For Clark, this return to Iowa City wasn’t just a game. It was a journey back to the place where her incredible basketball journey took off as she burst onto the collegiate scene.
As a key player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, she left an indelible mark on the program as she not only rewrote the record books but also became a symbol of excellence in college basketball.
She collected numerous honors and led the Hawkeyes to the NCAA National Championship game and the semi-finals, whilst also becoming the NCAA record points holder by surpassing Pete Maravich.
And whilst she has now moved on in her career to the WNBA and managed to lead the Fever to their first Playoffs appearance since 2016, she still feels the love from the college organisation she once called home.
“It’s been such an amazing journey with the Hawkeyes,” Clark said before the game. “They’re the biggest Indiana Fever fans now.
“They want to meet all of my teammates. They want to cheer for my teammates. I was telling some of the girls this the other day, ‘They’re going to go crazy for you, too. They’re going to have your backs. They want to cheer for you.'”
Clark humble ahead of 2025 WNBA season
As Clark prepares for the 2025 WNBA season with the Indiana Fever, the excitement around her future in the league is palpable as she finds herself under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Stephanie White, formerly of the Connecticut Sun.
Now the Fever are seen as serious WNBA Finals contenders, keen to get into the mix with the Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty and Clark’s talent only adds to the hype.
Her presence and leadership on the court could help propel the Fever to new heights, but despite her individual success, Clark‘s focus remains on the collective success of her team.
“It’s not just about me,” Clark said shared. “I want to make sure everyone feels supported and appreciated.
“Whether it’s in Iowa City or here with the Fever, we’re a team, and that’s what matters most.”
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