In a moment so grand it could knock the corn off a cob, Caitlin Clark returned to Iowa this weekend, soaking up a standing ovation that would make even the Hawkeyes’ football team jealous. The occasion? An overdue hero’s welcome, a shiny new set of championship rings, and a little more fuel to the legend of Clark—who, if you ask Shaquille O’Neal, might just be the greatest college player of all time. (And yes, we’re talking any player, in any era. Yes, Shaq said that. And he’s saying it again.)
Clark was back on Iowa turf for the Hawkeyes’ Big Ten Championship celebration, basking in the glory of an NCAA Final Four run, while Kinnick Stadium fans went bananas. Iowa fans may be known for their loyalty, but the reaction Clark received was nothing short of “Game of Thrones” season finale vibes. When her face hit the jumbotron, there wasn’t a single person without a sore throat from shouting.
Even her former teammates, including Las Vegas Aces’ Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall, got in on the festivities, flashing their rings and sharing the limelight. But all eyes were on Clark, who had everyone in awe as she stood there, soaking up applause that could power the stadium lights for the rest of the season.
The “GOAT” Stamp of Approval, Signed Shaq
Shaquille O’Neal, who initially viewed Clark with the kind of skepticism he usually reserves for free throws, recently did an about-face on his stance toward her talent. “Look, I’ll admit, I was a hater. I went to LSU—I didn’t want to give her any credit,” he admitted. “But she just kept hitting shot after shot. I told myself, ‘She’s not gonna make that one.’ Bam! She did. Ten shots later, I’m like, ‘All right, she’s the truth.’”
This, of course, was the same Caitlin Clark who topped all the NCAA Division I records, surpassing even the likes of LSU’s own “Pistol” Pete Maravich, and claimed the No. 1 overall spot in the 2024 WNBA Draft. After an explosive first season with the Indiana Fever, she didn’t just fit in—she broke the rookie records for points, assists, and 3-pointers, shattering expectations faster than Shaq could say, “My bad.”
From WNBA Rookie of the Year to Iowa’s Unofficial Queen
Caitlin Clark’s rookie stats were as jaw-dropping as a 7-footer shooting a three-pointer. Clark racked up more points, assists, and 3-pointers than any rookie in WNBA history. And if you thought she’d stop there, you’d be as wrong as Shaq was back in February. She even logged the WNBA’s highest single-game assist record with 19 and topped off her season with a whopping 337 assists. It’s a performance even her fellow players, like Angel Reese, have publicly praised.
Amid all the noise of her WNBA success, Clark’s alma mater wanted to ensure their star didn’t forget her roots. The moment Clark stepped onto the field, the Iowa crowd went ballistic, and it seemed as though the love from fans could be heard clear across the Mississippi. And while she was there to bask in the Hawkeyes’ championship glow, her impact on women’s sports—and sports fans—has clearly left an indelible mark.
Can Anyone Dethrone Caitlin Clark?
Caitlin Clark isn’t just Iowa’s pride; she’s become a national icon, proof that there’s no ceiling to shattering records and taking names. With her achievements stacking up faster than she can count, it’s safe to say that Clark’s story is only beginning—and Shaq? He’s got a front-row seat to watch his “GOAT” prediction continue to come true.
