During her time at Iowa University, Caitlin Clark fostered a competitive relationship with Indiana, but now, having been selected as the top pick by the Indiana Fever, she aspires for the support of Hoosier fans.

Under the guidance of coach Teri Moren, the Indiana women’s basketball team has experienced a significant surge in attendance, marking a new era of success for the program.

A milestone was achieved during the 2023 season finale against Purdue, with Indiana hosting its inaugural sold-out crowd. Presently, Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall regularly brims with enthusiastic fans, propelling Indiana to second place in the Big Ten and fifth place nationally for women’s basketball attendance in the 2023-24 season.

One of the most electric atmospheres occurred on Feb. 22, 2024, when Caitlin Clark led the No. 2 Iowa Hawkeyes against No. 14 Indiana at Assembly Hall. Hoosier supporters queued outside well in advance, donning white attire for a themed event.

The crowd erupted with cheers as Sara Scalia and Mackenzie Holmes scored baskets, amassing a total of 49 points in Indiana’s 86-69 victory. Fans displayed almost equal enthusiasm when Clark missed a shot, shooting 8-for-26, one of her least efficient performances of the season, or committed one of her five turnovers.

Earlier in the season, the Indiana Fever secured the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. While it was evident that Clark would be the prime choice if she opted to forego her remaining college eligibility, not all Fever supporters embraced this prospect.

When Indiana hosted Iowa in February, one Hoosier fan held a sign that said, “Lin, we don’t want her!”

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Indiana fans hold signs referring to Iowa and Caitlin Clark at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

That was a message to Lin Dunn, the general manager of the Fever, about Clark, who irritated some Indiana fans after years of battling Iowa for Big Ten titles.

A fierce competitor, Clark had a similar sentiment that she shared Wednesday at her introductory press conference with the Fever.

“I hated playing at Indiana and they hated me,” Clark said. “So hopefully a lot of them turn into Indiana Fever fans. They hated me for good reason. It’s a hard place to win at.”

Clark recalls Iowa had a game during the WNBA Draft lottery and she couldn’t watch it live. But despite the rivalry with Hoosier fans, she said the Fever picking No. 1 overall was on her mind as a top destination that night.

“I was hoping Indiana would get the first pick,” Clark said. “It would have made my life a lot better. When I saw that, I was pretty excited.”

Clark said she was ready for a new challenge after reaching the national championship in back-to-back seasons at Iowa. And being from West Des Moines, Iowa, she couldn’t script it any better to stay in the Midwest and play for the Fever.

Now she teams up with former Indiana Hoosier Grace Berger, who was taken No. 7 overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Fever, and Aaliyah Boston, the No. 1 pick that year. For Clark, the talent around her, combined with a dedicated fan base, makes for a perfect fit.

“I can’t think of a better place for myself to start my career,” Clark said. “A place that loves basketball, supports women’s basketball and an organization that really does things the right way and has a championship pedigree.”