Iowa to Retire Caitlin Clark’s No. 22 Jersey on February 2
December 18 – The University of Iowa has announced it will retire Caitlin Clark’s iconic No. 22 jersey on February 2, 2025, during a special ceremony at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The event will take place as the Hawkeyes face Southern California, with Clark scheduled to be in attendance to celebrate the historic honor.
Clark, 22, made history during her collegiate career (2020-2024) by becoming the all-time NCAA Division I scoring leader for both men and women, amassing an unprecedented 3,951 points. Her remarkable accomplishments on the court earned her the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, further cementing her status as one of basketball’s all-time greats.
In a statement, Clark expressed her gratitude and deep connection to Iowa:
“I’m forever proud to be a Hawkeye, and Iowa holds a special place in my heart that is bigger than just basketball. It means the world to me to receive this honor and to celebrate it with my family, friends, and alumni. It will be a great feeling to look up in the rafters and see my jersey alongside those that I’ve admired for so long.”
During her time with the Hawkeyes, Clark led the team to three Big Ten tournament championships and back-to-back national championship game appearances. She also earned consecutive consensus National Player of the Year honors in 2022-23 and 2023-24, becoming a trailblazer and inspiration for athletes worldwide.
Beth Goetz, Iowa’s athletic director, highlighted Clark’s impact:
“Caitlin Clark has not only redefined excellence on the court but has also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and determination. Retiring her number is a testament to her extraordinary contributions and a celebration of her legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Hawkeye fans are eager to say thank you for so many incredible moments.”
Clark has carried her collegiate success into the WNBA, where she earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 while leading the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016. Her outstanding performance included All-Star and All-WNBA First Team honors and a record-setting 337 assists, which led the league.
The jersey retirement ceremony promises to be a heartfelt tribute to Clark’s enduring legacy and her profound impact on the University of Iowa, women’s basketball, and the broader sports world.