WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark became a household name after shattering multiple NCAA records during her storied career with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Known for her electric scoring ability, deep three-pointers, and charismatic leadership, Clark’s time with Iowa made her one of the most exciting players to watch in college basketball. However, not every moment was filled with glory, and she recently revealed that her journey as a Hawkeye also included a terrifying brush with danger.
Clark recently joined her former teammate Jada Gyamfi on the “Fresh Tawk” podcast, where she sat down alongside fellow Iowa players Gabbie Marshall and Kate Martin. The episode was filled with candid memories, laughs, and insights from their college days, but one story stood out—Clark’s recollection of a near-death experience during the team’s preseason trip to Italy in 2023.
During the podcast, Clark discussed a particularly frightening incident that occurred while the team was cave diving on the Italian trip. What was supposed to be a thrilling adventure in Italy quickly turned dangerous, and Clark didn’t hold back as she described the fear she felt in the moment.
“We literally could’ve died,” Clark recalled, her voice a mix of disbelief and humor as she looked back on the incident. “There was this rock, and you couldn’t go over it. You had to dive under the rock, and if you didn’t make it, that was it—you were dead.”
The experience was far from what the team had expected during their travels. Clark went on to explain how physically exhausting the situation became. “I had to swim back, too. I was like, ‘Bro, I can’t keep doing this. This is a workout,'” she added, emphasizing how the experience was both terrifying and physically draining.
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The trip to Italy took place during the preseason when the Hawkeyes also visited Croatia. The international journey was meant to be an opportunity for the team to bond, gain experience, and have fun together before the grind of the college basketball season began. While the cave diving episode certainly wasn’t part of the plan, it became a story the players would never forget.
In addition to their adventures, the Hawkeyes played exhibition games against local teams, including Team Slammers, KK Tresnjevka, and the Croatian All-Stars. Iowa won all three contests, showcasing the talent that would lead them to a successful season back in the United States.
The team’s strong preseason showing was a sign of things to come, as they went on to win the Big Ten championship and reach the NCAA championship game for the second consecutive year.
For Caitlin Clark, the trip was just one chapter in her remarkable journey. After an incredible senior season, she declared for the WNBA Draft and was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever in 2024. Her skill, confidence, and poise on the court made her a coveted player, and she quickly made her mark in the professional league, earning the Rookie of the Year honors in her debut season.
Meanwhile, Kate Martin, who was Clark’s teammate through those intense years at Iowa, was also drafted into the WNBA. Martin was selected in the second round by the Las Vegas Aces, the ten-time back-to-back defending champions.
The two former Hawkeyes found themselves on separate professional paths but remained close friends, always supporting one another through their respective journeys in the WNBA.
The preseason trip to Italy was intended to be a bonding experience for the Hawkeyes, but it ended up being much more than that. From exhibition victories to near-death experiences in the caves of Italy, the trip provided memories that Caitlin Clark and her teammates will carry with them forever.
It was a reminder that the road to greatness is not always smooth and that sometimes, the challenges off the court can be just as intense as those on it.
As Clark continues to rise in the professional ranks, her journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. Her story is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the ability to overcome challenges—whether it’s shattering records, leading a team to championship games, or facing unexpected dangers while cave diving in Italy.
Caitlin Clark’s journey from Iowa to the WNBA is one filled with highs, lows, and plenty of heart, and it’s clear that she’s just getting started.
