Caitlin Clark, the standout basketball talent, bid farewell to her collegiate career with a poignant tribute on Instagram Stories, marking the end of an era and the dawn of a new chapter.
The 22-year-old shared a photo of her iconic Iowa Hawkeyes jersey and sneaker, symbolizing her journey on the court.
“I’ll miss ya,” Clark wrote, accompanied by seven yellow heart emojis, expressing her fondness for her time with the Hawkeyes.
RELATED: Caitlin Clark Issues Heartfelt ‘Thank You’ Message Following Final Game Of College Basketball Career
Despite the Hawkeyes’ defeat to the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA women’s basketball championship game, Clark’s performance stood out as she led her team with 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Reflecting on her collegiate career, Clark expressed no regrets, even in the absence of a national championship win, as she prepares to transition to the WNBA this month.
“There’s not a regret in my mind of how things went,” Clark shared with reporters. “I’ll be able to sleep every night even though I never won a national championship.”
Clark’s impact transcended statistics, drawing millions of viewers to women’s basketball games throughout the season. She emphasized the significance of shared moments and the growing popularity of the sport, noting the increasing viewership and support for women’s basketball.
“When you’re given an opportunity, women’s sports just kind of thrives,” Clark remarked. “I think that’s been the coolest thing for me on this journey.”
Addressing skeptics of women’s basketball, Clark remained unfazed, seeing their interest as an opportunity to continue expanding the game’s reach.
“I don’t really get offended,” Clark stated. “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.”
Despite the championship loss, Clark commended her team’s resilience and unity throughout the season, emphasizing their belief in each other and the journey they’ve undertaken together.
The upcoming WNBA draft on April 15 holds the promise of a new beginning for Clark, with expectations high for her to be selected first overall by the Indiana Fever. As she embarks on this next phase of her career, Clark’s legacy as a transformative figure in women’s basketball continues to grow.
