Caitlin Clark’s quest for a national championship unfortunately has ended after Iowa’s Sunday loss to South Carolina in the NCAA women’s tournament.
While Clark was stymied both times her and the Hawkeyes made it to the national championship during her tenure at Iowa, things are looking up for the women’s basketball star. A long career in the WNBA is likely on the horizon for Clark, who will no doubt be selected No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in a week.
Before setting sail to the next part of her career, Clark posted a simple — but emotional — picture to her Instagram story thanking Iowa for all the great memories.
Caitlin Clark posted this after her final game with Iowa 💛 pic.twitter.com/4UFnW4TGGG
— ESPN (@espn) April 7, 2024
Everyone Is Saying The Same Thing About Caitlin Clark And The Iowa Hawkeyes After Their National Championship Loss To South Carolina
Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
It was another great season for the Iowa Hawkeyes that saw them come just one game short of accomplishing their ultimate goal.
This time, Caitlin Clark and company fell to the South Carolina Gamecocks in the national championship game, 87-75. It was a heartbreaking defeat, especially after the Hawkeyes got out to a commanding 10-0 lead. But just as South Carolina has shown all year long, they were too much for their competition.
Despite the slow start, the Gamecocks still managed to take a three-point lead into the half. And they outscored them by nine in the second half, en route to becoming the tenth team in NCAA women’s basketball history to go undefeated and win the national championship.
As for the Iowa Hawkeyes, they are forced to endure another heartbreaker. And while there’s no denying that they’ve had an incredible two year run and have gained a ton of fans along the way, there are still some who are calling Caitlin Clark and her teammates, “Chokers.”
Caitlin Clark n Iowa on the Big Stage: pic.twitter.com/fEUFaoIjf2
— Jordan4Hunnid__ (@mr_freshprincee) April 7, 2024
Caitlin clark had 28 shots and only scored 30 points. Another choke job from her. pic.twitter.com/OASF0QZKew
— Michael (@_Mikey1123_) April 7, 2024
Another caitlin clark choke job #NotAWinner
— Chargers Number 1 fan (@BurnaAccounnT) April 7, 2024
Caitlin Clark all time choke artist, was being TOO NICE. Gotta take advantage of the moment and be that dog she made her self out to be.
— SPORTSPINZ (@SPORTSPINZ) April 7, 2024
One fan even compared Clark and the Hawkeyes to the Buffalo Bills in a savage troll job.
Caitlin Clark makes it to the finals only to lose AGAIN!
Tainted legacy? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/r1j27U4PgM
— MyBookie – Bet With The Best (@MyBookie) April 7, 2024
Clark may have lost two championship games in a row, but just think of all the female basketball superstars out there this season who didn’t even make it this far. Clark has helped lead this Hawkeyes team much further than they would have ever gotten had she not been on their squad. She and her Iowa teammates have nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, no matter what the haters may think.
What’s Next For Caitlin Clark?
With Clark’s historic college basketball career behind her, it is now on to bigger and better things for the NCAA all-time leading scorer.
Clark announced earlier that she’ll be making the jump to the WNBA, as she declared for the 2024 draft. Whichever team is lucky enough to draft her will not only be getting a great player, but they’ll also be getting a major attraction, as Caitlin Clark is expected to draw quite the crowd wherever she goes.
One team is even changing their venue in anticipation of the larger crowds that Clark is sure to bring.
