Caitlin Clark's No. 22 will be retired by Iowa Hockey, the school announced Wednesday.
Iowa State athletic director Beth Goetz announced the news during an end-of-season celebration with fans and the Hawkeyes women's basketball team in attendance at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
“We always knew your jersey would be hanging in the rafters,” Goetz said. “It's an honor to make this official now. You'll be the last one to wear No. 22.”
Clark will join Megan Gustafson and Michelle Edwards as the only retired No. 1s in program history.
“It's so incredible, and I'm so grateful for it,” Clark said. “There were a lot of good 22-year-old players who came before me and played in this program, whether it was Kathleen Doyle or Sam Logic. That number carries a lot of weight, way beyond me. I'm really grateful, and it's going to be a special day when that happens.”
It's been a week full of accolades for Clark, the projected No. 1 pick in next week's WNBA draft. She earned the Wooden Award National Player of the Year for the second straight season and was again voted AP Player of the Year and Naismith College Player of the Year.
Clark, 22, led the Hawkeyes to win the national title for the second season in a row. She finished her collegiate career as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I and holder of a number of program records, putting her in the GOAT conversation.
While Iowa State fell short of making the tournament, Clark and the Hawkeyes played a big role in attracting attention throughout the women's tournament. According to ESPN PR, 18.7 million viewers tuned in to the 2024 title game between Iowa and South Carolina.
The Indiana Fever are expected to select Clark with the top pick in the WNBA Draft. Given the attention Clark has drawn in Iowa, it was announced Wednesday that 36 of the Fever's 40 games next season will be broadcast nationally, with networks hoping the “Caitlin Clark effect” will continue after her move to the professional ranks.
“Beer enthusiast. Subtly charming alcohol junkie. Wannabe internet buff. Typical pop culture lover.”
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