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Celebrating Caitlin Clark’s Legacy at Iowa
On Wednesday, Caitlin Clark bid farewell to Iowa fans in a heartfelt celebration at Iowa’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena, marking the conclusion of an illustrious collegiate career that saw her become major college basketball’s all-time leading scorer and the consensus national player of the year.
Clark, alongside her teammates, was honored for their remarkable achievement of securing a second consecutive national runner-up finish in the NCAA tournament. Expressing her gratitude to the approximately 8,000 fans in attendance, Clark acknowledged the profound impact the Iowa community had on her journey, stating, “I would say you’ve all inspired me as much as I inspired you.”
Expected to be the top overall pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, Clark concluded her collegiate career with a staggering 3,951 points and 1,144 assists, earning All-American honors in every season. Despite humble beginnings in front of sparse crowds during her freshman year due to pandemic restrictions, Clark’s talent shone through, culminating in a standing ovation as Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz announced the retirement of Clark’s jersey number 22, a rare honor in the program’s history.
Iowa coach Lisa Bluder commended the team’s remarkable back-to-back runs to the national championship game, emphasizing the resilience and determination displayed by the players in defying expectations. The celebratory event, attended by a devoted crowd, highlighted the Hawkeyes’ exceptional ability to draw large audiences throughout the season.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Unwavering Fan Support
The Hawkeyes’ success was mirrored by their impressive home game attendance, selling out every match and drawing a total of 238,620 fans during the regular season. In a historic moment, 55,646 supporters flocked to the “Crossover at Kinnick” outdoor exhibition game at Kinnick Stadium, setting a women’s basketball single-game attendance record.
Notably, Iowa maintained their momentum in the NCAA tournament, selling out both games and attracting the highest weekend attendance of any first-weekend site in the women’s tournament. Coach Bluder extended a heartfelt plea for continued fan support, urging supporters to fill Carver-Hawkeye Arena in the upcoming season.
The anticipation for the celebratory event was palpable, with fans lining up outside the arena hours in advance to secure a seat. Among the attendees was Angie Leyh, who traveled with her daughter Lana to commemorate the young girl’s birthday at the event. Lana, a devoted fan of Clark, expressed her admiration through a heartfelt sign, reflecting her aspiration to emulate the basketball star.
Clark’s impact extended beyond the court, as she graciously interacted with fans, signing autographs and sharing her own childhood inspirations of idolizing athletes. The event served as a moment of reflection on the dreams fostered by sporting icons and the profound influence they have on aspiring athletes.
As the celebration concluded, the legacy of Caitlin Clark at Iowa resonated strongly, inspiring a new generation of fans and athletes to dream big and reach for the stars.
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