Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark said a final goodbye to the women’s basketball program and the school she contributed to over the past four years.
After Sunday’s 87-75 loss to the Gamecocks in the national championship game, Clark posted a photo of himself in a black Iowa jersey and yellow sneakers with a simple three-word message.
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Iowa State’s Caitlin Clark pauses to speak during a pre-practice press conference for the NCAA Women’s Final Four championship game on April 6, 2024 in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Carolyn Custer)
“I miss you so much,” she wrote.
Clark tried his best, but the gamecocks were too much. She scored 30 points on 10-of-28 shooting from the floor, including five 3-pointers. She got off to a strong start by leading Iowa State by seven points in the first quarter, but South Carolina turned around in the second quarter.
The Shamcocks remained on the offensive throughout the second half, playing tough defense against Clark and the rest of his Iowa State teammates. At the end of the night, Clark and the Hawkeyes watched as confetti fell over South Carolina as they celebrated his second championship in three years.
In eight days, Clark will lead the next generation of WNBA superstars. When the draft begins, she will likely be selected No. 1 overall.
Lynette Woodard believes her scoring record will remain the same despite Caitlin Clark breaking it
Iowa State guard Caitlin Clark, 22, drives South Carolina guard Raven Johnson during the first half of the Women’s NCAA Tournament Final Four championship game in Cleveland on April 7, 2024. Overtake. (AP Photo/Carolyn Custer)
“Emotions are probably going to come over me for the next few days,” she said. “I don’t have a lot of time to sit around and sulk or be angry. I don’t even think it’s about me. Yeah, I’m disappointed that we lost this game, but at the same time I’m very proud of myself. “I’m very proud of my teammates and I’m very proud of this program.” There’s a lot to be proud of. ”
Clark is credited with helping take women’s basketball to new heights over the past two seasons.
University of South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley took time during the team’s celebration to praise Clark.
“I would like to personally thank Caitlin Clark for elevating our sport,” Staley said. “She’s carried a lot of weight for our sport, and I don’t think that’s going to stop on the college tour. If she becomes the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, she’ll elevate that league as well. ”
“So, Caitlin Clark, if you’re out there, you’re one of the GOATs of our game and we appreciate you.”
Iowa State guard Caitlin Clark shoots past South Carolina forward Sania Feagin during the second half of the Women’s NCAA Tournament Final Four championship game in Cleveland, April 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Molly Gash)
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Clark ended his career as the NCAA’s leading scorer.
FOX News’ Scott Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
