History of Caitlin Clark in Timeline
Caitlin Clark is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, celebrated as one of the greatest female collegiate players ever. Playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes, she twice earned national female college basketball player of the year honors and became the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer. Clark's influence extends beyond statistics, as she's credited with significantly boosting the popularity of women's basketball, a phenomenon known as the 'Caitlin Clark effect'.
1993: Iowa Reached First Final Four Since 1993
In 1993, Iowa reached its first Final Four since 1993 in the NCAA tournament.
1996: Abby Roe's record
In 1996, Abby Roe scored the highest single-game point total in Iowa five-on-five girls' basketball history.
1999: Elena Delle Donne Reaches 2000 Points
In 1999, Elena Delle Donne reached 2000 career points.
2000: Elena Delle Donne Reaches 2000 Points
In 2000, Elena Delle Donne reached 2000 career points.
January 22, 2002: Caitlin Clark's Birth
On January 22, 2002, Caitlin Elizabeth Clark was born. She later became a celebrated basketball player for the Indiana Fever and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
2015: Samantha Logic's Triple-Double
In 2015, Samantha Logic recorded a triple-double, marking the last triple-double by an Iowa player before Caitlin Clark achieved one in December 2020.
2018: Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Championship
In the summer of 2018, Caitlin Clark led the All Iowa Attack to win the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League championship, scoring 23 points in the final.
February 4, 2019: 60 point game vs Mason City High School
On February 4, 2019, during her junior season, Caitlin Clark scored 60 points in a game against Mason City High School, marking the second-highest single-game point total in Iowa five-on-five girls' basketball history. She also set a state record with 13 three-pointers.
November 12, 2019: Commitment to Iowa
On November 12, 2019, Caitlin Clark announced her commitment to play college basketball for the University of Iowa, choosing them over offers from Iowa State and Notre Dame.
November 25, 2020: Collegiate Debut
On November 25, 2020, Caitlin Clark made her collegiate debut for Iowa, scoring 27 points along with eight rebounds and four assists in a 96-81 victory over Northern Iowa.
2020: Fifth Season of Eligibility Granted Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
In 2020, Clark was granted a fifth season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
January 6, 2021: 37 Points Against Minnesota
On January 6, 2021, Caitlin Clark recorded 37 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists in a 92-79 win against Minnesota.
November 9, 2021: Sophomore Season Debut
On November 9, 2021, Caitlin Clark debuted in her sophomore season, recording 26 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in a 93-50 win over New Hampshire.
2021: FIBA Under-19 Women's World Cup MVP
In 2021, Caitlin Clark won a gold medal at the FIBA Under-19 Women's World Cup and was named the Most Valuable Player.
January 2, 2022: 44 Points Against Evansville
On January 2, 2022, Caitlin Clark scored 44 points and had eight assists in a 93-56 win over Evansville. She broke the Carver-Hawkeye Arena women's single-game scoring record and became the fastest Big Ten player to reach 1,000 career points, surpassing Kelsey Mitchell.
January 16, 2022: Fourth Career Triple-Double
On January 16, 2022, Caitlin Clark recorded her fourth career triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 93-83 victory over Nebraska.
March 2022: Partnership with Coralville Community Food Pantry
In March 2022, Clark partnered with the Coralville Community Food Pantry in Coralville, Iowa, for a month-long donation push and meet-and-greet to "Team Up Against Hunger".
November 18, 2022: Ankle Injury Against Kansas State
On November 18, 2022, Caitlin Clark suffered an ankle injury with 3.8 seconds left in an 84-83 loss to Kansas State, though she still recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists during the game.
January 23, 2023: Victory Over Ohio State
On January 23, 2023, Caitlin Clark recorded 28 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds in an 83-72 win over AP No. 2 Ohio State.
October 15, 2023: Played in Crossover at Kinnick
On October 15, 2023, Caitlin Clark played in Crossover at Kinnick, a preseason exhibition game against DePaul at Kinnick Stadium, recording a triple-double with 34 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 94–72 win. The game set a women's basketball record with an attendance of 55,646.
October 2023: Formation of the Caitlin Clark Foundation
In October 2023, Clark formed the Caitlin Clark Foundation, a nonprofit organization to uplift and improve the lives of youth through education, nutrition, and sport.
December 6, 2023: Reached 3,000 Career Points
On December 6, 2023, Caitlin Clark became the 15th Division I player to reach 3,000 career points, achieving this milestone with 35 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in a 67–58 victory over Iowa State.
2023: Won National Player of the Year Awards
In 2023, Caitlin Clark won all major national player of the year awards, including AP Player of the Year, Honda Sports Award, John R. Wooden Award, Naismith College Player of the Year, USBWA National Player of the Year, and the Wade Trophy. She also won the Nancy Lieberman Award for a second time and became the first three-time winner of the Dawn Staley Award and was named the 2023 Division I Women's Basketball Academic All-American of the Year before winning the same award for all Division I sports in 2023.
2023: Signing with Excel Sports Management and NIL Deals
In 2023, Clark signed with Excel Sports Management and was estimated to be one of the highest-earning college athletes from NIL deals. She also became the first college athlete to be a spokesperson for State Farm in 2023.
2023: Life-size butter sculpture at the Iowa State Fair
In 2023, a life-size butter sculpture of Clark was displayed at the Iowa State Fair.
2023: Iowa Lost National Championship Against LSU
In 2023, despite Clark's 30 points and eight assists, Iowa lost the national championship game against LSU, 102–85. Clark made eight three-pointers, setting a record for a men's or women's player in the title game.
January 2, 2024: Scored Game-Winning Three-Pointer
On January 2, 2024, Caitlin Clark scored 40 points and made a long, game-winning three-pointer as time expired in a 76–73 win over Michigan State.
January 31, 2024: Broke Big Ten All-Time Scoring Record
On January 31, 2024, Caitlin Clark broke the Big Ten all-time scoring record held by Kelsey Mitchell of Ohio State, posting 35 points and 10 assists in a 110–74 win over Northwestern.
February 2024: Top-selling college athlete on Fanatics
In February 2024, Clark became the top-selling college athlete on the online sports merchandise retailer Fanatics.
February 22, 2024: "Caitlin Clark Day" in Iowa
On February 22, 2024, the Iowa House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution declaring February 22 as "Caitlin Clark Day" in the state.
February 29, 2024: Announced Declaration for the 2024 WNBA Draft
On February 29, 2024, Caitlin Clark announced that she would declare for the 2024 WNBA draft, forgoing her fifth season of eligibility.
March 2024: Partnerships with Panini and Gainbridge
In March 2024, Clark became the first female athlete to have an exclusive partnership with Panini, signing a multi-year contract. Also in March 2024, she signed a multiyear sponsorship with Gainbridge.
March 2024: Clark invited to USA national team training camp
In March 2024, Clark was one of 14 players, and the only college player, to receive an invitation from the United States national team to the final training camp for the 2024 Summer Olympics. However, she was unable to attend the camp because she was playing in the 2024 NCAA tournament that same week.
April 15, 2024: Clark drafted first overall by Indiana Fever
On April 15, 2024, Clark was selected as the first overall pick of the 2024 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, marking a significant milestone in her professional career.
April 2024: Cameo on Saturday Night Live
In April 2024, Clark made a cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live, criticizing Michael Che's past jokes about women's basketball and writing new jokes for him.
April 2024: Pending contract with Nike
In April 2024, after being drafted, reports emerged of a pending eight-year, $28 million contract between Clark and Nike, including a signature shoe deal.
May 2024: Executive producer on ESPN+ docuseries Full Court Press
In May 2024, Clark served as an executive producer on the ESPN+ docuseries Full Court Press, which followed three women's college basketball players.
May 2024: Multi-year deal with Wilson Sporting Goods
In May 2024, Clark signed a multi-year deal with Wilson Sporting Goods and became the first athlete to release signature Wilson basketball collections since Michael Jordan.
June 7, 2024: Clark scores 30 points, ties rookie single-game record
On June 7, 2024, Clark scored 30 points and tied Crystal Robinson's rookie single-game record with seven three-pointers. She also tallied eight rebounds, six assists and four steals, leading her team to an 85–83 win over the Washington Mystics.
June 2024: Nominated for Three ESPY Awards
In June 2024, Caitlin Clark was nominated for three ESPY Awards.
July 11, 2024: Won Best Female College Athlete ESPY Award for Second Time
At the 2024 ESPY Awards held on July 11, 2024, Caitlin Clark won the Best Female College Athlete ESPY Award for a second time and became the first female athlete to win the Best Record-Breaking Performance ESPY Award, but lost out on the Best Female Athlete ESPY Award to A'ja Wilson.
August 18, 2024: Clark sets new WNBA rookie assist record
On August 18, 2024, Clark set a new WNBA rookie assist record, surpassing the 225 assist record previously held by Ticha Penicheiro since 1998, in a 92–75 win over the Seattle Storm.
November 2024: Joins NWSL ownership group
In November 2024, Clark joined the ownership group intending to bring an expansion National Women's Soccer League team to Cincinnati.
December 2024: Clark named Athlete of the Year
In December 2024, Clark was named Athlete of the Year by Time magazine and Female Athlete of the Year by the AP, recognizing her exceptional achievements in basketball.
2024: Over $100,000 raised for Coralville Community Food Pantry
As of 2024, Clark has helped raise over $100,000 for Coralville Community Food Pantry, and the nonprofit continues to frequently receive $22 donations.
2024: WNBA Draft and Rookie Season
In 2024, Caitlin Clark was selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA draft. During her first season, she won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, made the All-WNBA First Team and the WNBA All-Star Game, and set league records in assists and rookie scoring.
2024: Led Iowa to Third Straight Big Ten Tournament Title
In 2024, Clark led Iowa to its third straight Big Ten tournament title and was named MOP after recording 34 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in a 94–89 overtime win over Nebraska in the final. In the second round of the NCAA tournament, Clark scored 32 points and surpassed Kelsey Plum for the most points in a single season in Division I women's history, leading Iowa to a 64–54 win over West Virginia. In the Elite Eight saw a rematch of the 2023 national championship game against LSU, where Clark had 41 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in a 94–87 victory, leading the Hawkeyes to their second straight Final Four and a school-record 33 wins and being named Albany 2 Regional MOP.
2024: Inclusion in Forbes lists
In 2024, Clark was included in the World's 100 Most Powerful Women list by Forbes and the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
January 2025: Partnership with Scholastic and United States of Readers
In January 2025, on Clark's 23rd birthday, the Caitlin Clark Foundation teamed up with Scholastic and their national literacy program, United States of Readers, to donate 22,000 books to under-resourced schools.
February 2, 2025: Iowa retires Clark's No. 22 jersey
On February 2, 2025, following the Hawkeyes' win over No. 4 USC, Clark's No. 22 jersey was retired by the University of Iowa, making her the third player in program history to receive the honor.
February 9, 2025: Appears in Nike Super Bowl commercial
On February 9, 2025, Clark appeared in a 90-second Nike commercial in the 2025 Super Bowl featuring some of the world's top female athletes.
March 2025: Partnership with Musco and Hy-Vee
In March 2025, the Caitlin Clark Foundation began a partnership with Musco and introduced the "Community Courts Initiative" to install recreation courts in Des Moines middle schools. Also in March 2025, the Caitlin Clark Foundation teamed up with Hy-Vee to raise funds to support childhood nutrition for local food banks.
April 2025: Hy-Vee releases limited-edition Gatorade bottle
In April 2025, Hy-Vee released a limited-edition Cool Blue Gatorade bottle featuring Clark, sold exclusively at Hy-Vee stores.
May 2025: $300,802 donation to Feeding America
In May 2025, the Caitlin Clark Foundation presented a $300,802 donation to Feeding America at the Food Bank of Iowa from their round-up campaign, estimated to provide about 3 million meals.
May 17, 2025: Clark records third career triple-double in season opener
On May 17, 2025, Clark opened her second year in the WNBA with a dominant performance, recording her third career triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, in the Fever's 93–58 win over the Chicago Sky.
May 26, 2025: Clark sidelined with left quadriceps strain
On May 26, 2025, the Fever announced that Clark had strained her left quadriceps and would be out for at least two weeks, interrupting her season's progress.
June 2025: Debut of Kobe 6 Protro "The Bellas" PE and release of "Caitlin Clark Kobe 5 'Indiana Fever'"
In June 2025, Clark debuted another PE with Nike, a Kobe 6 Protro called "The Bellas", in honor of Clark's family dog and her "Indiana Fever" PEs sold out immediately upon release on June 30.
June 2025: Clark nominated for two ESPY Awards
In June 2025, Clark was nominated for two ESPY Awards, Best Record-Breaking Performance (for breaking the WNBA records single-game assists and single-season assists) and Best WNBA Player.
June 26, 2025: Clark to miss game due to left groin injury
On June 26, 2025, the Fever announced Clark would miss that day's home game against the Los Angeles Sparks due to a left groin injury, her sixth absence of the season. Her ability to play was to be assessed day by day.
August 2025: Partnership with Stanley
In August 2025, Clark became the first female athlete to form a multi-year partnership with Stanley.
August 25, 2025: Nike introduces Clark as a signature athlete
On August 25, 2025, Nike introduced Clark as their newest signature athlete and revealed her signature logo. The logo apparel collection is to drop in fall 2025.
October 2025: Associated Press selects Clark as one of the greatest collegiate players
In October 2025, the Associated Press selected Clark as one of the greatest collegiate players in the women’s poll era alongside Cheryl Miller, Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, and Breanna Stewart as the starting five players.
2026: Signature shoe and apparel collection release
In 2026, Clark's signature shoe and apparel collection with Nike is expected to be released.
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