Iowa Hawkeyes retire Caitlin Clark's jersey

The Iowa Hawkeyes retired Caitlin Clark's jersey in a ceremony Sunday on the university's home court.

Clark, who play all four years at Iowa, is one of the most accomplished players in the history of college basketball, which includes her being the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer in both men and women's basketball. The long-range shooting guard also hold the NCAA record for most 3-pointers in a season –  201.

In 2024, after her senior year, Clark became the No. 1 player selected in the WNBA draft, going to the Indiana Fever.

The 23-year-old Clark and her family attended Sunday's event, and stood in the center court while Clark's No. 22 jersey was hung from the rafters.  

Clark told reporters that her time playing for Iowa prepared her for both playing as a guard for the Indiana Fevers and for the media attention that she has garnered during her career.

"We had players that were selfless," Clark said.  "We had players that didn’t care how many points you were going to score. They’re going to do whatever they could for your teammates. They were going to hold their teammates accountable. And I think that’s a lost art in college these days, and you don’t always see that.”

Also in attendance were Clark's former head coach Lisa Bluder, and former teammates Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall. 

Bluder spoke during the ceremony and recognized Clark for her contributions to women's basketball. 

“The positive image that you’ve brought to this basketball program, this university, this state, and women’s basketball nationally, is unmeasurable,” Bluder told Clark. “I’ve spent my entire career trying to empower young women. That’s what it’s all about. But you’ve done more than that in the last four years, more than anyone can imagine.”

The ceremony honoring Clark followed Iowa's 76-69 upset win over the No.4 USC Trojans. The game ended USC's 15-game winning streak. The Hawkeyes are scheduled to play their next game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Thursday.