NCAA star Caitlin Clark spoke in front of 8,000 spectators at Iowa for an end-of-season celebration about the honor of having her number 22 jersey retired by the university.
Clark thanked the supporters, saying, “You’ve all inspired me as much as I inspired you; you allowed me to live out my dream every single day.” “It has been truly unique, and I will always consider this place to be home.”
With 3,951 points at the end of her career with the Hawkeyes, she holds the record for most points scored in collegiate basketball history. Her averages were 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists.
When asked how it feels to know that no one will ever wear the number 22 for Iowa again, the 2024 anticipated top WNBA Draft pick was asked.
“I’m incredibly grateful for it; it’s amazing,” she exclaimed.”A lot of good 22-year-olds, like Kathleen Doyle and Sam Logic, have come before me and played for this program,” Clark continued. That figure is significant in ways that go far beyond me. It will be a memorable day when it occurs, and I sincerely appreciate it.”
After losing in the national championship game the previous two seasons, Clark concluded her collegiate career without a title.
But as an individual, she collected two major college basketball accolades – the Naismith National Player of the Year and Wooden Award – for the second season running.
Clark’s impact on women’s college ball was immense, evidenced by the NCAA Final, which recorded a viewership of 18.9 million.
The men’s Final had 14.8 million viewers.
Before she’s even been drafted, the effects Clark will have on the WNBA are already being felt.
The Indiana Fever, who have the number one pick, have already started moving games to different arenas to house the extra fans Clark will bring in.
The Fever will also have 36 of their 40 games nationally broadcast compared to just the one game last season.
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