In a heartfelt statement, Clark shared her gratitude: "I'm forever proud to be a Hawkeye, and Iowa holds a special place in my heart that goes beyond basketball. It means the world to me to receive this honor and celebrate it with my family, friends, and alumni. Seeing my jersey alongside those I've admired for so long will be an unforgettable moment."
Clark's collegiate career was historic. She ended as the all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball—across both men's and women's categories—with 3,951 points. In her senior season, she surpassed records held by Washington's Kelsey Plum for women's scoring, Kansas AIAW star Lynette Woodard for major college women's scoring, and LSU's Pete Maravich for men's scoring.
During her tenure at Iowa, Clark led the Hawkeyes to back-to-back national championship games and three Big Ten tournament titles. She was the consensus national player of the year in both her junior and senior seasons, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest players in college basketball history.
Clark transitioned seamlessly to the professional stage, becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. She earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors and played a pivotal role in leading the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
Iowa Athletic Director Beth Goetz praised Clark's contributions both on and off the court: "Caitlin Clark has not only redefined excellence in basketball but also inspired countless young athletes to chase their dreams with passion and determination. Retiring her number is a celebration of her extraordinary legacy, one that will continue to inspire future generations. Hawkeye fans are eager to thank her for the incredible moments she gave us."
Clark's jersey retirement will be a fitting tribute to an athlete who has left an indelible mark on Iowa, women's basketball, and sports as a whole.
