The deep-rooted connection between Caitlin Clark and her former collegiate teammates remains a focal point of the Iowa Hawkeyes‘ legacy, surfacing once again this Monday as Jada Gyamfi officially concluded her basketball career.
Gyamfi, a 6-foot-1 forward who joined the program in 2022, took to social media to share a series of photos reflecting on a run that included two historic trips to the national championship game.
While Gyamfi’s individual statistical contributions often sat in the shadow of Clark’s record-breaking scoring, her role as a cultural anchor for the 2023 and 2024 squads earned her the vocal respect of the WNBA‘s most recognizable face.
“Retirement post, thankful for it all,” Gyamfi wrote, drawing a wave of tributes from the Iowa faithful and former peers.
Among the first to respond was Clark, who utilized the platform to not only congratulate her friend but to issue a direct challenge to the University of Iowa athletic department.
The two-time WNBA All-Star and current MVP of the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament made it clear that she believes Gyamfi’s impact deserves permanent recognition alongside the program’s greatest icons.
“So proud of u 23 to the rafters asap,” the Indiana Fever star posted, signaling her desire to see Gyamfi’s jersey join the elite collection of retired numbers overlooking the court at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Iowa program faces immediate pressure to honor Gyamfi
The prospect of retired jerseys has become a recurring theme in Iowa City, particularly after the university officially retired Clark’s No. 22 on February 2, 2025.
Clark, who finished her collegiate career with an unprecedented 3,951 points to claim the all-time NCAA Division I scoring record, currently holds one of the few spots in the arena’s rafters.
Gyamfi was quick to acknowledge the proximity of their potential honors, playfully responding to Clark’s demand by suggesting she “might have to scoot you over” to make room for the No. 23 banner.
This public exchange highlights the Fever star’s transition back to peak form following a 2025 professional season marred by soft-tissue injuries.
Clark was restricted to just 13 games during her second year in the WNBA, but her recent MVP performance for Team USA suggests she is prepared to lead Indiana into the 2026 campaign at full strength.
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