On February 2, 2025, the University of Iowa honored Caitlin Clark by retiring her iconic No. 22 jersey at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The ceremony followed the Hawkeyes’ impressive 76-69 upset over the No. 4 USC Trojans, making the day even more memorable for players and fans alike.
Among the attendees was Kate Martin, Clark’s former teammate and close friend. Martin, who had recently completed a successful rookie season with the Las Vegas Aces and joined the newly formed Golden State Valkyries, made a special effort to attend the ceremony. Her presence added an extra layer of significance to the event, highlighting the deep bond shared between the two athletes.
During the ceremony, Martin shared a heartfelt message on social media, posting a photo of Clark’s jersey being raised into the rafters with the caption, “Into the rafters forever. Proud of you CC.” This public display of support underscored the mutual respect and admiration between the former teammates.
While Martin did not have an official role in the ceremony, her attendance was a testament to the enduring friendship and camaraderie forged during their time at Iowa. The two players had developed a strong connection on and off the court, contributing significantly to the Hawkeyes’ success during their collegiate careers. Clark, now a standout player for the Indiana Fever, has previously expressed a desire to reunite with Martin professionally, indicating hopes of bringing her to the Fever in the future.
The jersey retirement ceremony was a momentous occasion, not only celebrating Clark’s outstanding achievements but also highlighting the supportive community within Iowa women’s basketball. The event drew significant attention, with ticket prices reaching unprecedented highs for women’s basketball, reflecting Clark’s substantial impact on the sport.
In her speech, Clark expressed deep gratitude to her supporters, stating, “I want to say thank you to everybody that’s here today, first of all. It means a lot to me. I know probably wasn’t cheap to get in the door. So, I really appreciate you all being here and your support, not only to myself, but this amazing team and today was incredible.”
The ceremony also had a broader impact, with USC’s head coach, Lindsay Gottlieb, choosing to have her team observe the jersey retirement. This decision was made to honor Clark’s contributions to the sport and to provide her players with an opportunity to witness a significant moment in women’s basketball history.
In summary, Kate Martin’s presence at Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the lasting bonds formed through collegiate athletics. While she did not play an official role in the event, her attendance and public support highlighted the mutual respect and friendship between the two athletes, adding depth to an already historic and emotional evening for Iowa women’s basketball.
