Caitlin Clark’s relationship with the Iowa Hawkeyes is more than just a part of her career-it’s a lasting bond that continues to thrive even after she’s made her mark in the WNBA.
Before dominating the professional stage, Clark was a powerhouse for the Hawkeyes, leading them to two consecutive NCAA Division I Championship finals and breaking numerous records, including the all-time scoring record. Her time at Iowa set the stage for a brilliant career that has left an indelible impact on the sport.
Despite leaving college basketball for the WNBA, Clark has never stopped supporting the Hawkeyes. Her influence, known as the “Caitlin Clark Effect,” remains powerful in Iowa, with the team still regularly packing their stadiums. On her return to Iowa, Clark was met with thunderous applause.
She returned the favor by making an incredible 36-foot 3-pointer against the Brazilian National Team, a thrilling moment for both her and the fans.
A heartfelt gesture for the Iowa Hawkeyes
In a recent touching move, Caitlin Clark showed her continued affection for the Hawkeyes by gifting the entire team a pair of personalized sneakers to help them prepare for the 2025-26 NCAA season. The Iowa Hawkeyes’ official X page shared images of the surprise gift, showcasing the custom sneakers that Clark sent to the team.
The shoes were the Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘Caitlin Clark,’ which were released in her Indiana Fever colorway on June 30, 2025. As part of her Player Exclusive sneaker debut, Clark’s unique colorway quickly became a fan favorite.
As expected, the shoes sold out in minutes, with many fans purchasing them at their original price of $190. However, due to high demand, some sneakers were resold at prices nearly triple the original cost.
Caitlin Clark’s merchandise: A phenomenon of its own
Clark’s merchandise has become an entire phenomenon. Following her 2024 WNBA draft, Caitlin signed a groundbreaking $28 million deal with Nike, marking a milestone for women’s basketball. This deal included a guaranteed signature shoe, which is expected to release in 2026.
In the meantime, the Player Exclusive Kobe 5 Protro ‘Caitlin Clark’ sneakers have already caused a stir, with prices skyrocketing on resale platforms like StockX.
Her success extends beyond shoes. When she was drafted, her jerseys sold out within hours, and the same happened when she was named an All-Star. Clark’s autographed trading cards have also become valuable collector’s items. In December 2024, 19 signed trading cards were released and sold out in minutes. One of her cards even fetched $234,850 at auction, ranking second only to Serena Williams in female athlete card sales.
Caitlin Clark’s impact on women’s basketball is undeniable, and her generosity toward her old team is a reminder that her legacy is about much more than just her on-court success. Through her actions, she continues to inspire both fans and teammates alike.
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