IOWA CITY, Iowa – Caitlin Clark had her final opportunity to bid farewell to Iowa fans on Wednesday, and naturally, a large crowd awaited her.

Addressing the approximately 8,000 fans at Iowa’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Clark, who set the record as major college basketball’s all-time leading scorer this season and was named the consensus national player of the year, expressed her gratitude.

“I would say you’ve all inspired me as much as I inspired you,” Clark said. “And you allowed me to live out my dream every single day, and for that, I’m very thankful. It’s been very special, and this place will always be home to me.”

Expected to be the top overall pick by the Indiana Fever in Monday’s WNBA Draft, Clark concluded her collegiate career with remarkable stats, including 3,951 points and 1,144 assists. Throughout her journey, she was an All-American every season, starting amidst sparse crowds during her freshman year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Receiving a standing ovation, Clark’s jersey number 22 will be retired, marking the third number in program history to receive this honor.

“I think they like you,” said Iowa athletics director Beth Goetz to Clark after the announcement.

“It’s super incredible, something I’m very thankful for,” Clark responded. “There’s been a lot of good 22s who have come before me and played for this program. That number holds a lot of weight, far beyond me. I’m really grateful, and it will be a special day when it happens.”

Iowa coach Lisa Bluder reflected on the team’s consecutive runs to the national championship game, emphasizing the exceptionalism of this year’s journey.

“This year’s was also special, because nobody thought we could do it,” she said. “Nobody thought we could repeat what we did last year, except these women up here.”

The event’s attendance was not surprising given the Hawkeyes’ remarkable ability to draw large crowds this season.

“Please come back next year,” Bluder said. “Please fill Carver-Hawkeye Arena next year.”

Fans, eager to show their support, lined up outside the arena hours before the event, racing to secure seats upon the doors opening.

Angie Leyh of Atlantic, Iowa, brought her daughter Lana, who was celebrating her birthday, to the event. Having attended one game this season, they made the three-hour drive to attend this special occasion.

“All of this is amazing,” Leyh said as her daughter held up a sign with her birthday wish list, hoping to meet Clark or at least get an autograph or photo.

Clark signed autographs after the event, reflecting on how she idolized athletes growing up and how their influence fueled her dreams.

“It’s a dream come true, and it’s made her dream bigger,” Leyh said about her daughter, holding a sign that read, “I want to be just like you.”