Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is mourning basketball star Caitlin Clark’s decision to declare for the WNBA draft instead of playing another year with the University of Iowa team.
“Sad news for Hawk fans, but Caitlin Clark has declared for the draft. We love watching her play. No matter where she plays, Clark’s fans will live on.” he wrote on Thursday Xthe platform formerly known as Twitter.
“She’s a talented Iowa State star,” he added.
Clark, who broke the NCAA record, announced earlier in the day that he would be entering the WNBA Draft.
“This season isn’t over yet and there are still many goals to accomplish, but this will be my last goal at Iowa.” Clark wrote on social media. “I am excited to enter the 2024 WNBA Draft.”
She thanked her teammates, coaches, fans, and friends and family for making her dreams come true at Iowa.
Clark became the NCAA women’s all-time career scorer in February. At the time of her accomplishment of this record-breaking feat, Clark had scored 3,569 points in 126 games played at the University of Iowa.
Last month, Grassley congratulated Clark on breaking the scoring record and called her “the pride of Iowa.”
Clark and the Hawkeyes are scheduled to play in the Big Ten Tournament next week before the NCAA Tournament later this month.
Clark, who had the option to return to the team for a fifth season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the April 15 WNBA Draft.
The WNBA’s Indiana Fever have indicated they intend to draft her with the first pick.
Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), who is running for the U.S. Senate, responded to Grassley’s original post about Clark leaving Iowa for the draft, saying he thinks she would “love” Indianapolis. said.
“She’s going to love Indianapolis dear #IndianaFever.” he posted.
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