Lowa’s women’s basketball team is navigating its first season without Caitlin Clark, the standout player who left an indelible mark on the program since 2019. The team, led by head coach Jan Jensen, is off to a solid start with a 12-4 record and a national ranking of 23rd. However, the Hawkeyes have faced challenges in Big Ten play, where they are currently 2-3, highlighting the team’s struggles to fill the leadership void left by Clark’s departure.
Clark, widely regarded as one of the most dynamic players in NCAA history, was a game-changer for Iowa, breaking the all-time scoring record for both men’s and women’s college basketball. Her leadership, both on and off the court, was a crucial factor in the Hawkeyes’ success, which included making back-to-back appearances in the NCAA championship game. Her presence and influence were undeniable, but now Iowa is adjusting to life without her.
Coach Jensen recently addressed the team’s current leadership gap, following a difficult 2-3 stretch in conference play. After the Hawkeyes suffered back-to-back losses to Illinois, Jensen pointed out that the team is still young and in the process of developing senior leadership.
“We can’t afford to compare what has happened in the past, because these players are giving me a lot and they’re still young,” Jensen explained after the loss to Illinois. “We have to develop a little bit of senior leadership or upperclassman leadership, because that is what we’re missing right now.”
While the team has shown promise early in the season, the absence of a clear leader has become more apparent as the season progresses, especially during challenging moments in conference games. Jensen’s emphasis on the need for leadership from the upperclassmen reflects the growing pains of a young roster that has yet to replace the void left by Clark’s unmatched skill and leadership.
In her four years at Iowa, Caitlin Clark not only rewrote the record books but also became the face of the program. As a junior and senior, she was named the consensus National Player of the Year, further solidifying her legacy as one of the best players in women’s college basketball. Her departure left a leadership gap that the current roster, which includes several underclassmen, is still trying to fill.
Despite these struggles, the Hawkeyes are still a competitive force in the NCAA, with a number of talented players stepping up in Clark’s absence. Iowa’s future looks promising, with the young players gaining valuable experience as the season unfolds. However, the team’s ability to rise to the challenge of filling Clark’s leadership role will be crucial for their success in the highly competitive Big Ten conference.
For Coach Jensen and the Hawkeyes, this season is not only about developing players on the court but also about fostering leadership within the team. As the season progresses, the team will look to grow stronger and more cohesive, learning from the lessons of a season without one of the best players to ever play college basketball. The journey may be difficult, but it offers an opportunity for the next generation of Iowa basketball stars to rise to the occasion and build their own legacy.
