University of Iowa Honors Caitlin Clark by Retiring No. 22 Jersey
In a recent announcement, the University of Iowa has decided to retire Caitlin Clark's No. 22 jersey as a tribute to her outstanding achievements on the basketball court. This symbolic gesture showcases the university's recognition of Clark's remarkable talent and contribution to the team.
The University of Iowa has decided to retire Caitlin Clark's No. 22 jersey, as announced by the school on Wednesday.
During the team's end-of-the-season celebration at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the school's athletic director Beth Goetz shared the exciting news, which was met with a thunderous applause from the fans.
Goetz expressed, "We always knew your jersey would be hanging in the rafters. It is a privilege for me to now make that official. You will be the last to wear No. 22." Clark, the all-time leading scorer in NCAA men’s and women’s Division I basketball history, described the honor as "super incredible."
“Something I am very thankful for and, obviously, I have had some incredible teammates over the course of my four years here,” Clark, who is now bound for the WNBA, said.
Clark will become the third Hawkeyes women's basketball player to have her jersey retired.
Clark will become the third Hawkeyes women's basketball player to have her jersey retired.
Steph Chambers/Getty Images
In the first half of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game, Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes played against the UConn Huskies at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 5, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 05: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half during the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game against the UConn Huskies at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 05, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Steph Chambers/Getty Images
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Clark expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to play for the program, acknowledging the legacy of those who wore the number 22 before her.
For the second consecutive year, Iowa and Clark fell short in the national championship game, this time being defeated by South Carolina.
Hawkeyes head coach Lisa Bluder expressed her disappointment, saying, "I look up in the rafters and I see that Final Four banner from last year."
"I can't wait to see No. 22 up there too. But I'm also excited to see a Final Four banner with 'Cleveland' on it - national runner-up," she said.
The 22-year-old will be the third Hawkeyes women's basketball player to have her jersey retired, following Michelle Edwards (No. 30, 1985-1988) and Megan Gustafson (No. 10, 2015-2019).
Editor's P/S:
Caitlin Clark's jersey retirement is a testament to her exceptional career at the University of Iowa. As the all-time leading scorer in NCAA basketball history, she has left an indelible mark on the sport. Her passion, determination, and leadership have inspired countless young athletes and fans alike. Clark's legacy extends beyond her on-court accomplishments; she has also been an outstanding representative of the university and a role model for young women everywhere.
Clark's jersey retirement is not only a recognition of her individual achievements but also a celebration of the success of the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball program. Under the guidance of head coach Lisa Bluder, the Hawkeyes have consistently competed at the highest level, reaching the national championship game twice in the past two years. Clark's jersey will serve as a reminder of the program's rich history and its bright future.
