Forever 22: Iowa Immortalizes Caitlin Clark With Jersey Retirement

PHOTOS: BRIAN RAY/HAWKEYESPORTS.COM Caitlin Clark takes in the moment during her jersey retirement.

When Caitlin Clark (19BBA) made her debut in an Iowa jersey during the pandemic-altered 2020 season, the stands were empty inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Four unforgettable seasons and two Final Fours later, she was joined by family, former teammates, and nearly 15,000 fans as her No. 22 jersey made its ascent to the rafters.

Iowa retired Caitlin Clark’s number Feb. 2 (or 2/2), when college basketball’s all-time leading scorer returned home to receive a hero’s welcome. The ceremony followed the Hawkeyes’ nationally televised 76-69 upset over No. 4 USC. The WNBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year, Clark is the third Hawkeye women’s basketball player to have her number immortalized. She joins Michelle Edwards (89BGS), whose No. 30 was retired in 1990, and Megan Gustafson (19BBA), whose No. 10 was hoisted in 2020.

“I know my number’s up there, but it wouldn’t be if it wasn’t for all of you,” Clark told a group of former teammates, who were on hand with retired coach Lisa Bluder. “… I’m lucky enough that I got to play here, play for Coach Bluder—somebody who believed in me, probably more than anyone.”

In conjunction with her jersey retirement, the Caitlin Clark Foundation delivered four $22,000 checks to local charities: University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, the Coralville Community Food Pantry, the Boys & Girls Club of the Corridor, and East Central Iowa Special Olympics.

This isn’t the last time fans will cheer on Clark at Carver. Her Indiana Fever will play an exhibition game against the Brazilian National Team May 4 in Iowa City.

More Jersey Retirement Day Highlights

No. 22 towels awaited fans on each seat before tipoff inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Led by senior Lucy Olsen’s 28 points, Iowa stunned No. 4 USC, 76-69.

Gabbie Marshall and Kate Martin were among several former Hawkeyes on hand for the game.

David Letterman was in Iowa City to cheer for Clark, who is reportedly a future guest on the Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman. He sat courtside with former coach Lisa Bluder.

At halftime, Clark was presented with her second Honda Cup, which is awarded annually to the nation’s top women’s collegiate athlete.