Caitlin Clark, Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall joined Jada Gyamfi and their other Iowa Hawkeyes teammates for a special honor on Saturday. During the football team's homecoming game against Northwestern at Kinnick Stadium, they received a standing ovation from the fans.
Gyamfi shared photos on her Instagram account with the caption:
"This one means the most🤍," Gyamfi wrote.
Clark took to the comments section and wrote:
"Love you," Clark commented.
Clark, Martin and Marshall played vital roles in the Hawkeyes' back-to-back trips to the NCAA championship game. They also won three straight Big Ten Championships. For their exploits in the postseason, the Hawkeyes were honored with rings celebrating their Final Four and conference championships.
With the departure of Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin to the WNBA and Gabbie Marshall graduating, the Iowa Hawkeyes have huge voids to fill. The coaching staff also underwent a major change as Lisa Bluder retired, giving way for Jan Jensen to take over the program.
Despite these, Jensen is confident in the Hawkeyes' chances this coming season. Talking about Clark's impact on the team, she said:
"I think they have a really good approach on that, and it’s not used in any inappropriate way," Jansen said on Oct. 15, per The Sports Bank. "And they’re just really ready to read that next chapter and kind of write the next book.
"I feel like their mindset is that was part of it, but this is here, and we kind of we got next. It’s the new the new opportunity.”
Jada Gyamfi's thoughts on playing without Caitlin Clark
Jada Gyamfi spent her first two seasons with the Hawkeyes bonding and creating close friendships with Catilin Clark, Martin and Marshall. Now with all three no longer part of the team, she shared that she feels lonely.
“That first day I was super emotional trying not to show it because I am really excited for the team we have this year and for the returners and the new kids, but I notice it (their absence) in the weirdest moments,” Gyamfi said.
“It is so weird looking over and not seeing (Clark) there. And then with Kate I just (miss) her presence. Everyone always talks about her being the best leader and she genuinely is the best person, the best leader.”
After spending time with the seniors, Jada Gyamfi has honed her leadership skills and is expected to play a bigger role this coming season.
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