No player on the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team will wear Caitlin Clark’s No. 22 anymore.
The number will be retired during a Feb. 2 ceremony at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the Iowa athletics department announced Wednesday.
Clark finished her college career last season as the all-time leading men’s and women’s scorer in NCAA Division I history and is widely considered a figure who changed the women’s game. Her style of play and accurate three-point shooting from long range earned her a legion of fans wearing her No. 22 jersey during both home and away games.
“I am forever proud to be a Hawkeye, and Iowa State holds a special place in my heart, bigger than just basketball,” Clark said. “It means a lot to me to receive this honor and to celebrate it with family, friends and alumni. It will be a great feeling to look up into the rafters and see my jersey next to the ones I have admired for so long.
READ ALSO | NBA Cup: Giannis Antetokounmpo defeats Thunder to win title
Clark, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever last spring and was the WNBA Rookie of the Year, will be on hand for the retirement ceremony during the Hawkeyes’ game against Southern California.
“Caitlin Clark not only redefined excellence on the court, but also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and determination,” said Beth Goetz, Iowa State athletic director. “Her extraordinary achievements have left an indelible mark on the University of Iowa and the world of women’s basketball. The issue’s retirement is a testament to her extraordinary contributions and a celebration of her legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Hawkeye fans would like to thank you for so many amazing moments.”
In the 17 days from February 15 to March 3, Clark broke Kelsey Plum’s record to become the NCAA Division I women’s all-time leader, passed AIAW star Lynette Woodard for the most college scoring record and passed LSU’s Pete Maravich for most career points in the history of the first league for men and women.
Clark led the Hawkeyes to the NCAA Championship Game the past two years and is the only player in Division I men’s and women’s basketball history to lead her conference in scoring and assists for four consecutive seasons.
