February 2, 2025, was a day filled with emotion and celebration for the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, as they honored the most iconic player in the program’s history, Caitlin Clark. The standout guard, who went on to become a superstar with the Indiana Fever, had her No. 22 jersey retired during a special ceremony at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa, following an impressive win over the USC Trojans.

This ceremony was a significant milestone in Clark’s already legendary career, highlighting her immense impact on Iowa basketball and the legacy she leaves behind. As she watched her jersey rise into the rafters of the arena, it was clear that her place in Hawkeye history was firmly secured.

While the jersey retirement ceremony itself was the main event, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ victory against USC added an extra layer of joy and excitement to the day. As the game concluded and the fans erupted in celebration, there was no question that this was a moment that Iowa’s basketball community would never forget.

For Caitlin Clark, the moment was especially emotional. After leading her team to many triumphs during her time at Iowa, the No. 22 jersey now symbolized everything she accomplished as a player. It was the fitting conclusion to a chapter in Iowa basketball history that will be remembered for years to come.

During the ceremony, a video featuring clips from fans played, showcasing the impact Clark had on her supporters, her teammates, and everyone who had followed her career. Clark, visibly moved by the gesture, reacted with emotion as she watched the video. The heartfelt video was a testament to her undeniable influence and the love that the Hawkeye Nation has for her.

After the ceremony, Caitlin Clark shared a series of photos from the day on her Instagram account, giving fans an intimate glimpse into the special moments she experienced. One of the photos captured her embracing her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, another featured her with her former head coach, Lisa Bluder, and yet another showed her surrounded by her family as she witnessed the jersey retirement ceremony.

One of the most poignant images was that of Clark wiping away a tear during the ceremony, a clear sign of how deeply moved she was by the honor. In her caption, Clark expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received throughout her career, writing:

“Such a special day, surrounded by all my favorite people. Feeling incredibly overwhelmed by the love and support from everyone—thank you, Hawkeye Nation 🫶🏻22.”

Her words spoke volumes about the deep connection she has with her fans, her teammates, and the Iowa community as a whole. It was clear that this was not just a celebration of her individual achievements, but also a moment that united everyone who had supported her along the way.

What makes Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement ceremony even more remarkable is the speed at which it occurred. Less than a year after playing her final game for Iowa, her No. 22 jersey was already retired. This is a testament to just how extraordinary her career was, not only in terms of her on-court performance but also in the way she inspired others and elevated the program to new heights.

Clark’s impact on Iowa women’s basketball is undeniable. She set records, won numerous accolades, and led the team to national prominence, putting Iowa on the map in a way that few players ever have. Her jersey retirement is a reflection of the incredible journey she had with the program and the indelible mark she left on it.

Even as Caitlin Clark moves on to the professional ranks with the Indiana Fever, her connection to Iowa and its basketball community remains strong. The jersey retirement ceremony was just one of many moments that have solidified her status as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

For fans of Iowa women’s basketball, the retirement of Clark’s No. 22 is not the end of her legacy—it’s just another chapter in a story that will continue to inspire future generations. Clark’s journey is far from over, and her influence will be felt for years to come.

Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement ceremony on February 2, 2025, was a deeply emotional and historic moment for the Iowa Hawkeyes and for all who have followed her journey. As her No. 22 jersey was hoisted into the rafters of Carver-Hawkeye Arena, it marked the end of one era and the beginning of another. Caitlin Clark’s legacy, defined by her incredible skill, dedication, and leadership, will forever be a part of Iowa women’s basketball history.

With this ceremony, she has shown once again that she is not just a player to be remembered for her records and achievements but for the way she touched the hearts of those around her. The love and respect she has earned from Hawkeye Nation will continue to endure, and her legacy will inspire future generations of athletes to chase their dreams, just as Clark did so brilliantly during her time at Iowa.