The resounding cheers in Carver-Hawkeye Arena hung in the air as Caitlin Clark, a radiant force in Iowa basketball, etched her farewell in the hearts of those who’d faithfully come to see her perform one final time on her home court. The digital blaze of the game clock blinked zeroes, the last echo of Iowa’s hard-won victory over West Virginia in the women’s NCAA Tournament, a 64-54 testament to perseverance and grit.
Clark, the beloved star of number one seed Iowa, took a moment to acknowledge the fans. “I’m forever grateful,” she said, her words a simple but heartfelt acknowledgement of the support she has received.
The Hawkeyes, emboldened by their victory, will now journey to Albany, New York to continue their quest to secure a place in the championship game for a consecutive year. Regardless of the tournament’s outcome, Clark’s legacy is secure. She is destined to be etched in the annals of Iowa’s sports history, standing shoulder to shoulder with other luminaries such as Dan Gable, Bob Feller, and Nile Kinnick.
Clark spoke of her gratitude for the supportive environment that permeates women’s athletics in Iowa. “Maybe it wasn’t quite at the magnitude it is now, but these people and these fans have showed up, and they’ll continue to show up,” she affirmed.
In the face of the Mountaineers’ relentless defensive strategy, the NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader racked up an impressive 32 points, despite the grueling contest where she and her teammates faced persistent pressure. Even an injury requiring her leg to be wiped of blood didn’t deter her relentless drive.
Among the throng of spectators were luminaries such as Basketball Hall of Fame member Nancy Lieberman, aptly dubbed “Lady Magic,” and San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, himself a former player for the Hawkeyes.
As always, Clark’s parents were in the stands; her father, Brent, expressed his concerns visibly while her mother, Anne, emanated quiet support and pride. A sea of No. 22 jerseys and t-shirts rippled through the crowd, with many fans wielding signs extolling their beloved player.
Clark’s debut at Carver-Hawkeye was in November of 2020, where she made a memorable entrance by scoring 27 points in a 96-81 triumph over Northern Iowa. A sold-out crowd and growing fan base became the norm, marking each game in her rising career.
Record-breaking milestones were reached right here on this court. Clark’s incredible 49 points against Michigan shattered Kelsey Plum’s Division I women’s all-time scoring record. She outscored the famed Pete Maravich of LSU, securing her place as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I.
The journey continues for Clark and her team as they set their sights on their Sweet 16 game against fifth-seeded Colorado in Albany, New York on Saturday. With 1,113 points credited to her this season alone and an astonishing career total of 3,830 points from her 135 games, Clark is not quite ready to bid farewell. “I wish I could have stayed on the court a little longer,” she confessed, her words resonating with the promise of more to come.
