Speaking in front of 8,000 fans at Iowa for a season-end celebration, NCAA star Caitlin Clark expressed her gratitude for the honor of having her number 22 jersey retired by the school.
“You’ve all inspired me as much as I’ve inspired you, allowing me to live my dream every day. I am very thankful,” Clark told the fans. “It’s been very special, and this place will always be home to me.”
Finishing her time with the Hawkeyes as the all-time leading scorer in college basketball with 3,951 points, averaging 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists.
When asked how it feels knowing that her number 22 will never be worn by another player at Iowa, Clark said, “It’s super incredible, something I’m very thankful for. There have been many great 22’s before me who have played for this program, such as Kathleen Doyle or Sam Logic. That number holds a lot of weight beyond me. I am really grateful, and it will be a special day when it happens.”
Despite not winning a national championship in her college career, Clark received two major college basketball awards – the Naismith National Player of the Year and Wooden Award – for the second consecutive season.
Clark made a significant impact on women’s college basketball, as evidenced by the 18.9 million viewers who tuned in to the NCAA Final, compared to the men’s Final which had 14.8 million viewers.
Even before being drafted, Clark is already making waves in the WNBA. The Indiana Fever, who hold the number one pick, are preparing for increased attendance at games and have significantly more games broadcast nationally.
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