"That's when I first blew up in college"- Caitlin Clark highlights one career-changing game that cemented her as Iowa icon

By Reign Amurao

Modified Jan 27, 2025 23:24 GMT

Caitlin Clark reveals which moment helped her change her career (Image Source: Imagn)

WNBA star Caitlin Clark gained national recognition before playing a professional game. Clark's college games were something fans loved watching and it pushed her popularity globally. In a recent appearance on "247Sports," the Indiana Fever star discussed the game that changed her career, solidifying her place in Iowa's history.

Clark became an icon at Iowa even before leaving the program. In her four years playing for the Hawkeyes, the Fever star was the main attraction in most of their games. However, one game stands out that changed the course of her career.

"Probably, the Michigan game, my sophomore year when I had 46 [points]," Clark said (24:08). "I feel like that was my first moment where I was like, 'Oh my gosh.' That's when I first blew up in college, that game.

"We were playing some people that literally never got in the game earlier in the season. So, I'm like, 'Alright, we're down 20, I'm just gonna start launching.' I just start chucking bombs and they're going in. And everytime, I was like, 'What?'"

Against Michigan, Clark finished with 46 points on 48.3% shooting from the field. The star guard added four rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals on 50% shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. However, Iowa couldn't overcome the tough Michigan team and suffered a 98-90 defeat.

Clark finished her second year at Iowa with 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists. Her sophomore year helped her become one of the biggest college stars as most basketball fans paid more attention to her in her junior season.

Also read: "That's how I was raised" - Caitlin Clark credits parents' influence in managing stress from controversies & media attention

Caitlin Clark's thoughts on Iowa retiring her college jersey

While Caitlin Clark never led the Hawkeyes to an NCAA title during her tenure, she still made a lasting impact. As a result, Iowa decided they would retire her No. 22 jersey on Feb. 2 in their NCAA Division I game against USC.

In the interview with 247Sports, Clark talked about how she thinks she'll feel when she sees her jersey number in the rafters.

"I think it's hard to probably feel all the emotions until I'm going to be inside of Carver and really see it, and experience that with my family," Clark said (7:31). "Now that I'm not actually going to be playing, I feel like I'll be more emotional even though I'm not a super emotional person."

The Indiana star is the third woman from Iowa's basketball program to have her jersey retired. She will join Megan Gustafson and Michelle Edwards as the only women to have their jerseys retired.

Also read: "She love the Chiefs as much as me" - Caitlin Clark makes feelings known on being starstruck every time she encounters Taylor Swift

About the author

Reign Amurao specializes in basketball at Sportskeeda, bringing 3 years of experience to his role and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication.

A fervent supporter of the Phoenix Suns, Reign was hooked to their electrifying "Seven-Seconds-Or-Less" offense, which epitomizes high-paced and high-intensity basketball. For Reign, Steve Nash is the ultimate floor general, and he believes Boris Diaw could've been the next Magic Johnson if he had a bit more discipline.

From Reign's perspective, Anthony Edwards is a 90s player stuck in modern times, and Gregg Popovich is an ultimate winner with unparalleled success and leadership in the sport.

Reign's expertise lies in NBA history, particularly the significant moments and trends of the 2000s and 2010s. He prioritizes in-depth research using only credible sources to maintain accuracy in his articles, and avoids misleading topics.

Beyond basketball, Reign enjoys gaming with friends and watches comedy shows and films.

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Edited by Alvin Amansec