Caitlin Clark set out to turn Iowa into a winner. She redefined women's college hoops along the way
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Updated: 7:31 PM CDT Apr 7, 2024
Yeah. Yeah. I think the biggest thing is, you know, coming to this day, honestly, I'm just fortunate. Like I know this is the end, um, to be able to have that, whether that's sad, whether that's happy, whether that's, you know, whatever. I think, you know, I knew this was the last time I was lacing them up to play for Iowa and, you know, being really content and have *** lot of closure in that. But, um, obviously, we started out *** little hot, um, but you know, they're gonna make *** run. Um, we were making some tough shots and. Um, they're really good. There's only so much you can do. You got to give them credit. I mean, what Coach Daley's been able to do with that program and, you know, those girls, *** lot of them didn't get *** ton of playing time last year. Um, you know, it, it's, it's really incredible and, um, you know, Cardoso is *** threat inside. Like there's only so much you can do as, you know, when Hannah's 6'1, guarding 67, and they killed us on the glass and, um, yeah, at that point, you got to shoot perfect, basically perfect to win, but. Um, so much to be proud of, so much to hold our heads high about, and yeah, it stinks, but, you know, life goes on. but you feel like you didn't do well. Honestly, like, you know, I didn't think there was anything we didn't do that we could have to really help ourselves. I mean, it would have been nice to make maybe *** few more shots. I thought they contested well on stuff. Um, I mean, I can say rebound, but I mean, we were trying our best like, like I said, like, you know, you can box out *** little bit better. Maybe if we come up with, you know. 5 more rebounds. It looks *** little different. I mean, in the first half, I think they had 19 points off of offensive rebounds. Like that's, that's *** huge swing in the game, but, um, you know, people fought on the glass, people did their best and, you know, that's all you can really ask. Mhm Yeah, I think, uh, I don't know. I mean, I think the biggest thing is like, I've tried to carry myself the same way no matter we've, if we've lost, whether if we've won, and, um, I guess that kind of just speaks to the way I was raised. Like, at the end of the day, basketball is just *** game. Like this isn't the end all be all for me. I know my career is over and, you know, it was sad going in that locker room the last time with *** group of seniors that I love to death and ***, *** team that, you know, this is the last time we're wearing our uniforms together and. Um, I don't know. I mean, there's so much to be thankful for, um, outside of basketball, and I think that's where I find my peace and calm and also like I reflect back on my career and I know I gave it every single thing I had and, um, there are so many people that basically everybody believed that there's no way I was making the Final Four once, but to do it twice, that's pretty incredible. Yeah, I thought, I thought she defended well. I thought they all defended well. I thought they pressured the ball well, um, you know, and. You know, when you get to this point in the tournament, everybody's defense is good, no matter what. Um, but yeah, I thought, I thought it was good. You know, I, I think it helps, I think, you know. What better way to like train and prepare for my next step in life than playing in the Final Four? That's the way I look at it. And obviously that's not my focus, but, um, you know, I'm lucky enough to continue to be playing in, you know, the beginning of April and, you know, I'll be able to play my first WNBA game here soon, but, um, I think just reflecting back and knowing, you know, these moments are gonna make me ready for the next chapter of my life, but also. Enjoying this one too. I think over the course of the next week or so. I know it's *** quick turnaround, but, um, you know, reflecting back and enjoying these moments and enjoying them with my family who's been here supporting me every step of the way will, you know, be the most special part of it for me. Yeah, I think what, you know, the biggest thing me and Kate talked about up on the stage was just like, It goes so much further than like any win we ever had. Sure, like we had some amazing wins. We had some great moments. We also had some bad moments and I think those bad moments are what has made us ready for these such great, you know, moments and really to seize the opportunity, but I think more than anything is like. I hope I showed everybody like how fun women's basketball is, how fun women's sports are. I brought joy to *** lot of families, whether you're *** young girl, your young boy or an older man, an older woman or, you know, people my grandma's age absolutely love our team, um, so I mean, I think we've affected so many people from young to old, uh, to really support *** team and support women's basketball, and to me like that's the coolest thing. Yeah. Well, obviously I believed in the moments of being in the Final Four, but to for it to be on this magnitude with the amount of people watching, with the amount of people here supporting, uh, with, I don't know, just all the attention in the spotlight, absolutely not. Um, I would not have thought that, and, um, you know, obviously being in the Final Four, that was my goal and to be able to accomplish that is something truly special, um, and you know, I think that's the biggest thing is, you know, just believe in yourself. Um, that's what I would tell my younger self, I think. I mean, looking back now, I think I would just be proud of the way I worked for this moment and earned it, you know, nothing was ever given like, you know, I was in the gym all the time, you know, I matured *** lot, um, mentally, physically, um, people believed in me, people pushed me, people held me accountable, um, and those are the things that I'm thankful for and that's like, that's why I'm here right now. Yeah. You're good. Honestly, like, I don't know if it's really hit me yet, um. Hugging my teammates and hugging my coaches was probably one of the hardest things to do and like I told all the younger ones, like, this is your team now. Like you guys are ready for these moments. Um, I think that's one of the biggest things about these seniors that are leaving is like we really show these younger girls what they're capable of and you know bought into them every single day and I'm so proud of them. uh, whether Han and Sid, especially like those two have been incredible all year long and two people that maybe didn't always get the recognition that they, that they deserved and. Um, I think the emotions will probably hit me over the course of the next 48 hours though. Yeah. High school. Mm. Yeah, I think, uh, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life is, you know, committing to Coach Blutter and committing to play for the University of Iowa, whether it's, you know, the way our fans have supported me, whether it's been the way I've been able to represent my state where I grew up, and I love the game of basketball, whether it's been my family being at every single game, um, you know, there's not *** regret in my mind of how things went. Um, I'll be able to sleep every night even though I never won *** national championship, um. And I think that's the thing about everything I've done is like there's so much to be proud of. I don't sit and sulk about the things that never happened. I just, you know, my mom always taught me like, keep your head high, be proud of everything that you accomplished and, you know, I think I'm still hungry for *** lot more too. It's gonna be *** little weird, I think. Um, I'm probably gonna want to run out there on the court and keep playing for Coach Bluer. I wish I could have the best of both worlds, but I can't. Um, but this program's in really good hands, whether it's the girls we have on the team, whether it's the recruits we have committed, um, you know, it's in *** really, really good place, and I think the biggest thing is I hope our fans continue to support in the way that they, they have. They've always supported women's basketball, but on the magnitude and the level that it's been over the course of the last two years, I hope they continue to do the same because. You know, I can speak from *** player's perspective. We've really fed off of that. It's helped us win *** lot of games, um, but also these girls deserve it. They work really hard. They're special. Um, the way we play basketball is fun. um, it's uplifting, um, it's joyful, um, so you know, it'll be weird for *** little while, but, um, you know, I hope I can make it back to quite *** few games and support them.
Caitlin Clark set out to turn Iowa into a winner. She redefined women's college hoops along the way
![AP logo]()
Updated: 7:31 PM CDT Apr 7, 2024
Caitlin Clark doesn't want to think about it. Or doesn't want to talk about it. That will come later. Probably much later.Yes, the Iowa star sees the packed stands. Hears the pop in the crowd whenever she drops in another 3-pointer from the logo. Senses the throng of media around her. Doesn't need to be reminded that her name has been trending pretty much everywhere over four months that have transformed her life and, in some ways, her sport.The reality is the leading all-time scorer in NCAA Division I history envisioned some of this. A year ago after a painful loss to LSU in the national title game, Clark's lone focus was finding a way back.One paradigm-shifting season later, that moment arrived Sunday.And while it ended just the same way last year's final against LSU did — with Clark and the Hawkeyes walking off the floor amid confetti that fell for others as South Carolina celebrated its second title in three years — she tried to keep it in perspective.Yes, she wanted to win. Badly. And she played like it, particularly during a first quarter in which she poured in 18 points, a record for most points in a quarter in an NCAA final. Yet the deep and relentless Gamecocks wore Clark and the Hawkeyes down. She finished with 30 in all before checking out with 20 seconds to go, receiving a long, loud ovation and a hug from coach Lisa Bluder.Caitlin Clark talks about playing for Bluder, Hawkeyes: 'One of the best decisions I've ever made'There were no tears. Not publicly anyway. Instead, there was an appreciation for a remarkable journey few deemed possible when she arrived on campus four years ago."The emotions will probably hit me over the next couple days," Clark said. "I don't have much time to sit around and sulk and be upset. I don't think that's what I'm about either. Yeah, I'm sad we lost this game, but I'm also so proud of myself, I'm so proud of my teammates, I'm so proud of this program. There's a lot to be proud of."MORE COVERAGE OF CAITLIN CLARKCaitlin Clark by the numbers: Interesting facts and figures about the Iowa basketball superstarCaitlin Clark points tracker: Hawkeyes star's final tallyWatch Caitlin Clark's last basket as a HawkeyeClark's impactThe evidence of how far Clark and women's college basketball have come has been everywhere over the last month, nowhere more so than at a Final Four laden with star power both on the court and in the stands.The arena was nearly full when Clark's now iconic No. 22 made its way onto the floor for Iowa's open practice on Saturday. Jogging out to meet her teammates in a black jersey, shorts and socks, she casually sank a 3-pointer from the wing the first time she touched the ball, a splash through the net that was met with an audible volume spike.It was that way over the course of 50 mostly informal minutes. The cameras in the arena never wandered too far. The crowd never really went silent. It never really does when Clark is involved.It's been that way for a while now. She has navigated it all with an uncommon polish, welcoming the spotlight if only because it gives her the power to point it in whatever direction she chooses.Clark doesn't view herself as a one-of-one but a part of a burgeoning ecosystem within women's sports. Sure, a record 14.2 million tuned in to watch Iowa's win over UConn on Friday night. She doesn't view it as a one-off."I think you see it across the board, whether it's softball, whether it's gymnastics, volleyball," Clark said. "People want to watch. It's just when they're given the opportunity, the research and the facts show that people love it."WATCH: Caitlin Clark reflects on last game in Hawkeyes uniformAnd they love Clark in particular, a full-circle moment for Clark she never saw coming. As a kid she remembers being part of the "Jimmer-Mania" that surrounded former BYU sharpshooter Jimmer Fredette.Now she's the one with kids in the stands wearing T-shirts in her likeness. She's the one who has created a fiefdom of sorts, selling out basketball games wherever she laces up her black-and-yellow Nikes. It's all a bit strange, if only because this was never her intention.Growing up she dreamed of helping Iowa chase down the women's basketball powers that be. Now she and the Hawkeyes have elbowed their way among the sport's elite. That was always the goal, not all that has surprisingly come with it: the commercials, the name-drops from hoops royalty like LeBron James and Steph Curry and the way she's helped make women's basketball accessible to an audience that long considered it an afterthought if it considered it at all.It can be dizzying. She has tried, however, to keep it in perspective, stressing whenever she can that this thing — whatever it is — is hardly just about her. It's about those who came before and those who will come after.It's a group that is rapidly expanding.As Clark and the Hawkeyes went through a walk-through that doubled as a celebration for how far they've come, a young girl held a sign that said "I used to play soccer, now I hoop." She's hardly alone."I genuinely believe every time that Caitlin breaks a record or comes off a game, there are thousands of boys and girls out shooting and wanting to be 22," Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said. "Thousands."WATCH: Caitlin Clark on her next stepWhat's nextThe original is ready to cede the stage — at least at this level — to others. It's a moment Clark knows is coming, even though she's made it a point to not get ahead of herself. Getting too caught up in the last-ness of everything would take too much energy from the task at hand."I know what's next is soon," she said Sunday. "But at the same time, I'm not blind to the fact that I need to enjoy this, I need to soak this in."The WNBA draft, where Clark is expected to be taken first overall by the Indiana Fever, awaits on April 15, little more than a week away. Then maybe some time with Team USA before the Paris Olympics.It's been a whirlwind. It will be a whirlwind. There will be time to reflect down the road. Sunday marked the end of one part of her life. Next week begins the start of another. She's hopeful the people that made their way into the tent stick around for what's to come."I don't really get offended when people say I never watched women's basketball before," she said. "I think, one, you're a little late to the party, yes. But, two, that's cool. We're changing the game. We're attracting more people to it."People who watched to root for her. People who watched to root against her. People who watched out of curiosity. People that watched out of wonder.Clark doesn't really care how or why they came along for the ride. It simply matters that they did, and that means more than any net-cutting ceremony ever could."The way people are not only showing up, but cheering about the game and invested in the game, they understand the game," she said. "They know what's going on. They're passionate about it. To me, that's the coolest thing."That's the Caitlin Clark thing.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Caitlin Clark doesn't want to think about it. Or doesn't want to talk about it. That will come later. Probably much later.
Yes, the Iowa star sees the packed stands. Hears the pop in the crowd whenever she drops in another 3-pointer from the logo. Senses the throng of media around her. Doesn't need to be reminded that her name has been trending pretty much everywhere over four months that have transformed her life and, in some ways, her sport.
The reality is the leading all-time scorer in NCAA Division I history envisioned some of this. A year ago after a painful loss to LSU in the national title game, Clark's lone focus was finding a way back.
One paradigm-shifting season later, that moment arrived Sunday.
And while it ended just the same way last year's final against LSU did — with Clark and the Hawkeyes walking off the floor amid confetti that fell for others as South Carolina celebrated its second title in three years — she tried to keep it in perspective.
Yes, she wanted to win. Badly. And she played like it, particularly during a first quarter in which she poured in 18 points, a record for most points in a quarter in an NCAA final. Yet the deep and relentless Gamecocks wore Clark and the Hawkeyes down. She finished with 30 in all before checking out with 20 seconds to go, receiving a long, loud ovation and a hug from coach Lisa Bluder.
Caitlin Clark talks about playing for Bluder, Hawkeyes: 'One of the best decisions I've ever made'
There were no tears. Not publicly anyway. Instead, there was an appreciation for a remarkable journey few deemed possible when she arrived on campus four years ago.
"The emotions will probably hit me over the next couple days," Clark said. "I don't have much time to sit around and sulk and be upset. I don't think that's what I'm about either. Yeah, I'm sad we lost this game, but I'm also so proud of myself, I'm so proud of my teammates, I'm so proud of this program. There's a lot to be proud of."
MORE COVERAGE OF CAITLIN CLARK
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Watch Caitlin Clark's last basket as a Hawkeye
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Clark's impact
The evidence of how far Clark and women's college basketball have come has been everywhere over the last month, nowhere more so than at a Final Four laden with star power both on the court and in the stands.
The arena was nearly full when Clark's now iconic No. 22 made its way onto the floor for Iowa's open practice on Saturday. Jogging out to meet her teammates in a black jersey, shorts and socks, she casually sank a 3-pointer from the wing the first time she touched the ball, a splash through the net that was met with an audible volume spike.
It was that way over the course of 50 mostly informal minutes. The cameras in the arena never wandered too far. The crowd never really went silent. It never really does when Clark is involved.
It's been that way for a while now. She has navigated it all with an uncommon polish, welcoming the spotlight if only because it gives her the power to point it in whatever direction she chooses.
Clark doesn't view herself as a one-of-one but a part of a burgeoning ecosystem within women's sports. Sure, a record 14.2 million tuned in to watch Iowa's win over UConn on Friday night. She doesn't view it as a one-off.
"I think you see it across the board, whether it's softball, whether it's gymnastics, volleyball," Clark said. "People want to watch. It's just when they're given the opportunity, the research and the facts show that people love it."
WATCH: Caitlin Clark reflects on last game in Hawkeyes uniform
And they love Clark in particular, a full-circle moment for Clark she never saw coming. As a kid she remembers being part of the "Jimmer-Mania" that surrounded former BYU sharpshooter Jimmer Fredette.
Now she's the one with kids in the stands wearing T-shirts in her likeness. She's the one who has created a fiefdom of sorts, selling out basketball games wherever she laces up her black-and-yellow Nikes. It's all a bit strange, if only because this was never her intention.
Growing up she dreamed of helping Iowa chase down the women's basketball powers that be. Now she and the Hawkeyes have elbowed their way among the sport's elite. That was always the goal, not all that has surprisingly come with it: the commercials, the name-drops from hoops royalty like LeBron James and Steph Curry and the way she's helped make women's basketball accessible to an audience that long considered it an afterthought if it considered it at all.
It can be dizzying. She has tried, however, to keep it in perspective, stressing whenever she can that this thing — whatever it is — is hardly just about her. It's about those who came before and those who will come after.
It's a group that is rapidly expanding.
As Clark and the Hawkeyes went through a walk-through that doubled as a celebration for how far they've come, a young girl held a sign that said "I used to play soccer, now I hoop." She's hardly alone.
"I genuinely believe every time that Caitlin breaks a record or comes off a game, there are thousands of boys and girls out shooting and wanting to be 22," Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said. "Thousands."
WATCH: Caitlin Clark on her next step
What's next
The original is ready to cede the stage — at least at this level — to others. It's a moment Clark knows is coming, even though she's made it a point to not get ahead of herself. Getting too caught up in the last-ness of everything would take too much energy from the task at hand.
"I know what's next is soon," she said Sunday. "But at the same time, I'm not blind to the fact that I need to enjoy this, I need to soak this in."
The WNBA draft, where Clark is expected to be taken first overall by the Indiana Fever, awaits on April 15, little more than a week away. Then maybe some time with Team USA before the Paris Olympics.
It's been a whirlwind. It will be a whirlwind. There will be time to reflect down the road. Sunday marked the end of one part of her life. Next week begins the start of another. She's hopeful the people that made their way into the tent stick around for what's to come.
"I don't really get offended when people say I never watched women's basketball before," she said. "I think, one, you're a little late to the party, yes. But, two, that's cool. We're changing the game. We're attracting more people to it."
People who watched to root for her. People who watched to root against her. People who watched out of curiosity. People that watched out of wonder.
Clark doesn't really care how or why they came along for the ride. It simply matters that they did, and that means more than any net-cutting ceremony ever could.
"The way people are not only showing up, but cheering about the game and invested in the game, they understand the game," she said. "They know what's going on. They're passionate about it. To me, that's the coolest thing."
That's the Caitlin Clark thing.
