Caitlin Clark sends heartfelt thank you to Iowa fans following national title loss
The historic season for Iowa guard Caitlin Clark came to a heartbreaking conclusion in Sunday’s national championship game. Despite breaking multiple NCAA Tournament records in leading the Hawkeyes to the title game, Clark couldn’t lift them past LSU as they suffered a 102-85 loss.
But regardless the way things ended, Clark captivated fans with her March Madness performance, and her 2022-23 season will forever hold a place in history. As she took a moment to reflect on those numerous accomplishments, she tweeted out a thank you message to Iowa fans.
“Thank you to all who have supported us on this magical run,” Clark wrote. “I am lucky to wear Iowa across my chest and represent our state. I love these girls to death and could not be more proud of all we accomplished this szn. Go hawks always.”
Clark finished Sunday’s game with 30 points and eight assists on 9-of-22 (40.9%) shooting and 8-of-19 (42.1%) from 3-point range. With those numbers she once again etched her name in record books by setting NCAA Tournament records for most points scored (191) and 3-pointers made (32).
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Clark truly gave her all for her home state this season and provided fans with lifelong memories. She has two more seasons of eligibility remaining and will return in 2023-24, so her story isn’t done being written just yet. Clark ranks second in Hawkeyes history in career points and will have a chance to become the all-time leader next season.
More on Caitlin Clark’s record-setting season
Caitlin Clark led Iowa to just its second Final Four appearance in school history and its first in 30 years. She poured in two 40-point games on the road to the title game, including recording the first 40-point triple-double in NCAA Tournament history — men’s or women’s — in the Elite Eight against Louisville.
Clark followed that up with a Final Four performance for the ages, dropping 41 points, eight assists and six rebounds to defeat No. 1 seed and defending national champion South Carolina. The loss was the first of the season for the Gamecocks, snapping a 42-game winning streak dating back to the 2022 NCAA Tournament.
Clark was named both the AP and Naismith National Player of the Year this season. She led the country with five triple-doubles and 8.6 assists per game while ranking second with 27.7 points per game.
In addition to her tournament records, Clark also became the first women’s player to record at least 900 points and 300 assists in the same season. She was the only player in the country this season with more than 950 points, 300 assists, 240 rebounds and 45 steals.