Wednesday was Caitlin Clark's last chance to say farewell to Iowa fans, and a sizable throng was present.
Clark and her teammates were honored at Iowa's home arena to celebrate the Hawkeyes' second consecutive NCAA Tournament runner-up finish. Clark became major college basketball's all-time leading scorer this season and was named the consensus national player of the year.
“I would say you've all inspired me as much as I inspired you,” Clark told 8,000 supporters at Iowa's Carver-Hawkeye Arena. I'm grateful you let me live my dream every day. It was amazing, and I'll always call this location home.”
Clark, expected to be the Indiana Fever's No. 1 pick in Monday's WNBA Draft, was an All-American in every season of her career, which began with sparse crowds during her freshman year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Iowa sports director Beth Goetz revealed that Clark's jersey number 22, the third in program history, would be retired, Clark got a standing ovation.
“It’s super incredible, something I’m very thankful for,” Clark said. Many good 22s have played for this program, including Kathleen Doyle and Sam Logic. That figure is significant beyond me. I appreciate everything, and it will be a fantastic day.”
She stated this year was special because nobody thought we could achieve it. “Nobody thought we could repeat last year, except these women up here.”
Since the Hawkeyes have drawn strong crowds this season, the event turnout was expected.
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