What Caitlin Clark said following her final game at Iowa
I do not think I will keep playing. Caitlin Clark admitted that
Caitlin Clark’s illustrious career in Iowa women’s basketball concluded in a crushing loss to South Carolina in the 2024 national title game. Here’s what Clark said after the game:.
Caitlin Clark discusses South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley’s post-championship game praise.
Question, Caitlin. I’m sure it stings a little, but Dawn Staley just gave you some very powerful and sincere praise on the platform, on the TV broadcast, for what you’ve done and what she believes you’re going to do in the next few years. I wonder what it means to hear from her.
“I think it’s extremely special when someone like Coach Staley recognizes you and your contributions to the game. Obviously, she is someone I greatly respect. I appreciate what she has done for South Carolina. I respect what she did as a player in our game.”
Caitlin Clark reflects on the 2023–24 season.
Question: Caitlin, you stated that you did not want to think beyond this game or whatever was next in front of you. What are your emotions right now, and what do you believe will happen next? Do you reflect on what you’ve accomplished, particularly in the last season?
“Yeah, it has certainly been a memorable year. To be honest, after last year, I was thinking, “How can we beat what we did last year?” Every single individual in our locker room believed. To be honest, this year was definitely more memorable than last.”
“We won the Big Ten tournament by defeating the opponents we had to face to get here. We lost two three-year starters for our program, and to be back in this situation and battle it out — South Carolina is so talented. “There is just so much you can do.”
“[Kamilla] Cardoso had 17 rebounds. They have a team of 51. We’ve got 29. It’s hard to win a basketball game like that. “You literally have to shoot perfect at that moment.”
“I am just proud of our squad. We never gave up, and we gave everything we had.
“For me, the emotions will definitely hit me in the next few days. I don’t have much time to hang about sulking and becoming unhappy. I don’t believe that is what I am about either.”
“Yeah, I’m disappointed we lost this game, but I’m also really proud of myself, my teammates, and our program. “There is a lot to be proud of.”
“But there are going to be tears. It’s unfortunate that this is all over, and this will be the last time I wear an Iowa jersey.”
“I suppose just going back and taking in everything that I was able to do because basically no one other than me and coach Bluder thought this was possible.”
