Caitlin Clark Says 'It Means the World to Me' to Have No. 22 Iowa Jersey Retired: 'A Great Feeling'

Today at 09:16 PM

The University of Iowa announced on Dec. 18 that Clark's Hawkeyes jersey will be retired in early 2025

Caitlin Clark is having her legacy enshrined at her alma mater.

The 22-year-old basketball phenom, who played for the University of Iowa and graduated in May 2024, will have her jersey retired in the coming months. 

The college announced on Wednesday, Dec. 18, that the Time Athlete of the Year will be honored in a Feb. 2, 2025 ceremony, and her No. 22 Iowa jersey will be retired in celebration of Clark's record-breaking college career.

"I'm forever proud to be a Hawkeye and Iowa holds a special place in my heart that is bigger than just basketball," Clark said, per a University of Iowa Athletics press release.

"It means the world to me to receive this honor and to celebrate it with my family, friends and alumni," continued Clark, who now plays for the WNBA's Indiana Fever. "It will be a great feeling to look up in the rafters and see my jersey alongside those that I've admired for so long."

Related: Caitlin Clark Recalls Boys League Coaches Wanted to Name Her MVP Instead of a Boy: 'I Was Just Better Than All of Them'

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

"Caitlin Clark has not only redefined excellence on the court but has also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and determination," said Beth Goetz, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair, per the press release. "Her remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the University of Iowa and the world of women's basketball." 

Goetz continued: "Retiring her number is a testament to her extraordinary contributions and a celebration of her legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Hawkeye fans are eager to say thank you for so many incredible moments."

The school also posted a celebratory Instagram video sharing the announcement on Dec. 18. "To the rafters. 2.2.25 #Hawkeyes," the caption simply read."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Related: Caitlin Clark Is Investing in Women's Sports as She Looks to Bring NWSL Team to Cincinnati

At the end of Clark's college basketball tenure, she led her Iowa Hawkeyes to the NCAA Women's College Basketball Championship game on April 7. Days later, she became the first pick in the WNBA Draft. Since then, she was selected for the WNBA All-Star Game and won the WNBA Rookie of the Year. 

As a rookie, Clark started all 40 games for the Fever, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.33 steals. She led the rookie class in assists, points, steals and minutes played this season. Clark set a WNBA record for most assists in a single season with 337, and she also finished with 122 three-pointers, just shy of the 128 league record.