Caitlin Clark has concluded her collegiate journey, and it was evident that she felt deeply moved by the moment.

In her last appearance for Iowa, Caitlin Clark experienced disappointment at the national championship game as the Hawkeyes suffered a 87-75 loss against the formidable South Carolina Gamecocks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Clark, the highest scorer in college basketball history, netted 30 points and surpassed Chamique Holdsclaw as the top scorer in NCAA Tournament history.
Although visibly emotional following the game, Clark managed to maintain composure while addressing the media. However, upon returning to the locker room, her feelings likely overflowed as she shared on her Instagram story, expressing, “I’ll miss ya,” accompanied by a series of yellow hearts. In a symbolic gesture, Clark’s shoe and jersey bearing her iconic No. 22 were respectfully arranged on the floor.

The rise of the Hawkeye program in recent years can largely be attributed to Caitlin Clark, who has also made significant contributions to the advancement of women’s basketball overall. Despite falling short of an NCAA title in the past two seasons, Clark received commendation from South Carolina coach Dawn Staley following her final collegiate appearance.

“I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport. She carried a heavy load for our sport and it just is not going to stop here on the collegiate tour, but when she is the number one pick in the WNBA Draft, she’s going to lift that league up as well,” Staley said, via Fox News. “Caitlin Clark, if you’re out there, you are one of the GOATs of our game and we appreciate you.”

Exiting her collegiate journey, Caitlin Clark leaves an indelible mark on history, clinching two national Player of the Year accolades and steering the Hawkeys to three triumphant Big Ten Tournament conquests. Garnering the title of Big Ten Player of the Year thrice, she secures her position in the annals of the sport, boasting the highest scoring record in NCAA history with an impressive 3,951 points.

Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts during senior day after the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Clark broke the NCAA basketball all-time scoring record during the second quarter in Iowa City, Iowa, US on March 3, 2024. — Reuters

Caitlin Clark emerges as an unparalleled force in women’s college basketball, generating unprecedented anticipation for her transition to the WNBA. As she gears up for the 2024 WNBA draft on April 15, anticipation swirls around her unparalleled achievements and the unprecedented hype surrounding her.

Anticipated to be the top pick by the Indiana Fever, the Hawkeyes’ standout prepares to embark on the next chapter of her basketball odyssey.

Should she translate her stellar collegiate performance into a remarkable WNBA career, the league stands to gain immensely, both in the present and the future.