In a heartwarming twist that could rival any sports movie script, the Iowa Hawkeyes gathered their former stars over the weekend, and it wasn’t just for a team reunion; it was more of a nostalgia-infused jam session at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Yes, you read that right—Caitlin Clark and a cadre of ex-Hawkeyes returned to their old stomping grounds, bringing enough memories to make even a stone-cold fan shed a tear (or roll their eyes, depending on how much they enjoyed the last season).
With the current squad gearing up for the 2024-25 season, Coach Jan Jensen took to Instagram to share a glimpse of the gathering. In her post, she waxed poetic, saying, “The ol’ band got together… the jam session had a nice ‘ring’ to it!” Sure, Jan, we get it—rings are pretty shiny, but are they the same as the sparkling personality of Caitlin Clark draining threes? We think not.
Speaking of rings, the weekend wasn’t just about reliving the glory days. The 2023-24 Iowa roster was honored with shiny new bling commemorating their three-peat Big Ten championships and their not-so-casual trips to the Final Four. Just to jog your memory, Clark made a rather bold promise back in 2019 to lead Iowa to the Final Four. Apparently, she wasn’t just daydreaming; she actually made it happen. Talk about pressure!
During a raucous timeout at the Iowa vs. Northwestern Homecoming game, the Hawkeyes basked in a standing ovation that was probably louder than the cheers at a rock concert—because who doesn’t love an underdog story, especially when it involves a bunch of women who’ve made their mark on the hardwood?
But hold on to your basketballs, because the future is here, and it’s not just about reminiscing. With Clark and fellow WNBA-bound star Kate Martin off chasing their dreams (and maybe an endorsement deal or two), Coach Jensen is preparing for life after the iconic senior class. And as every good coach will tell you, it’s time for the next group of stars to shine—cue the dramatic music.
“We miss our friends, but it’s also their time,” Jensen said, probably fighting back the urge to sob into her clipboard. “They’ve worked their tails off, and now it’s time to show what they can do.” Let’s just hope that “showing what they can do” doesn’t involve a series of missed layups and awkward passes—because nobody wants to relive their high school basketball nightmares.
This season, the Hawkeyes are bringing in Lucy Olsen as a possible Clark replacement (no pressure, Lucy) and a crop of five fresh recruits who are likely wondering why they didn’t just choose a sport with fewer expectations. They’ll kick off the season on November 4 against Northern Illinois, where fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if this new generation can fill the massive shoes left behind by their predecessors or if they’ll just be trying to avoid stepping on the court like a rookie in a horror film.
So, mark your calendars, folks. It’s a new chapter for the Hawkeyes, and who knows—maybe they’ll surprise us all. Or at the very least, they’ll give us plenty to talk about (and possibly laugh at) as they navigate the highs and lows of collegiate basketball. Buckle up; it’s going to be a wild ride!