The University of Iowa women’s basketball team is navigating uncharted waters in the 2024-25 season, their first without the transcendent talent of Caitlin Clark since 2019. The Hawkeyes, under the guidance of head coach Jan Jensen, have compiled a respectable 12-4 overall record and hold a No. 23 national ranking. However, the transition to life without their star player has been particularly challenging within the newly expanded Big Ten conference, where they’ve stumbled to a 2-3 start. This conference struggle marks a significant departure from the team’s dominance during Clark’s era, highlighting the considerable void left by her departure. The team’s recent back-to-back conference losses, a first since Clark’s freshman year, underscore the difficulties they face in adapting to a new playing dynamic.
Coach Jensen, while acknowledging the team’s efforts, has openly addressed the team’s most glaring weakness: a lack of veteran leadership. The departure of Clark, a player who single-handedly redefined the program’s success, has left a vacuum in leadership that the current roster, comprised largely of younger players, is struggling to fill. Jensen’s emphasis on developing senior and upperclassman leadership underscores the importance of establishing a guiding presence both on and off the court to navigate the challenges of a demanding Big Ten schedule and compete at a high level. The team’s current performance reveals the ongoing process of forging a new identity and establishing a leadership structure capable of replicating the success enjoyed during Clark’s tenure.
Caitlin Clark’s impact on the Iowa Hawkeyes program transcends mere statistics. During her four years at Iowa, she shattered the NCAA all-time scoring record for both men’s and women’s basketball, a testament to her unparalleled scoring prowess. She led the Hawkeyes to two NCAA championship game appearances, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest players in college basketball history. Her individual accolades are equally impressive, culminating in consensus National Player of the Year honors in both her junior and senior seasons. These accomplishments cemented her status as a generational talent and left an indelible mark on the program.
Clark’s transition to the professional ranks was equally seamless. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, she immediately made her presence felt. In her rookie season, she etched her name in the WNBA record books, setting new marks for most points and 3-pointers by a rookie, further demonstrating her exceptional scoring ability. Clark also achieved the rare feat of recording a triple-double, not once, but twice, a testament to her all-around game and court vision. Perhaps most remarkably, she shattered the single-season assist record with 337, a feat accomplished by no other player in WNBA history, showcasing her ability to elevate her teammates and orchestrate an offense.
The University of Iowa will formally recognize Caitlin Clark’s historic contributions to the program with a jersey retirement ceremony on February 2nd. Her No. 22 jersey, the same number she wears for the Indiana Fever, will be hoisted into the rafters of Carver-Hawkeye Arena, a permanent tribute to her remarkable achievements. The ceremony, expected to be attended by Clark herself, will be broadcast nationally on FOX, providing fans across the country with an opportunity to celebrate her legacy. This honor comes just two months after Time magazine named Clark its Athlete of the Year, a recognition that sparked both widespread acclaim and some controversy.
The Time magazine accolade, while a testament to Clark’s extraordinary athletic achievements and impact on the sport, also drew criticism, notably from Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson. Johnson questioned the decision to honor Clark individually rather than recognizing the collective achievements of the entire WNBA, suggesting racial bias played a role in the selection. This controversy underscores the complexities surrounding individual awards in team sports and the ongoing dialogue regarding race and representation in professional sports. The jersey retirement ceremony, however, will undoubtedly be a moment of celebration for Clark, the University of Iowa, and basketball fans everywhere, solidifying her place as a true icon of the game.
