Caitlin Clark will forever call Iowa “home” as she embarks on the next chapter of her basketball career.
Hours after the Hawkeyes lost 87-75 to the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA women’s championship game in Cleveland, Clark reflected on her prolific career at Iowa. share a heartfelt message Sunday night at X.
“Words cannot express my love for my teammates, coaches, fans, and university. Thank you for making my dream come true. It has been an honor to wear Iowa on my heart for the past four years. Here I am. is always home,” Clark, 22, wrote.
In her final collegiate game, Clark recorded 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists, passing Chamic Holsclaw’s record as the all-time leading scorer in the women’s NCAA Tournament.
“It’s disappointing to lose this game, but I’m so proud of myself, my teammates and this program,” Clark said after the game. “It brings tears to my eyes. I’m sad it’s over and this is the last time I’ll wear an Iowa jersey.
“It’s really hard to win something like this. I think I probably know that better than most people by now. It certainly hurts to come this close twice, but at the same time we was right there.”
“South Carolina is a very nice place. There’s only so much you can do.”
Clark and the top-seeded Hawkeyes reached the national title game last spring, but lost 102-85 to the LSU Tigers.
Iowa State defeated LSU 95-87 last Monday en route to a spot in the Final Four.
On Sunday, as Clark’s college career came to an end, University of South Carolina coach Dawn Staley praised the star guard for “elevating our sport.”
“I would like to personally thank Caitlin Clark for elevating our sport,” said Staley, who went undefeated this season and won her third All-American title at the University of South Carolina.
“She has carried a huge burden for our sport. You are one of the GOATs of our game and we are grateful to you.”
Clark shattered record after record this season, passing Kelsey Plumb’s NCAA scoring record of 3,527 points to become the all-time leading scorer for both men and women in major college basketball.
She is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, with the Indiana Fever currently holding the No. 1 pick.
The WNBA Draft will be held next Monday at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
