Early Life and Education of Caitlin Clark: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Caitlin Clark. From birth to education, explore key events.

Caitlin Clark is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever of the WNBA. She achieved widespread recognition during her college career at the University of Iowa, where she became the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer and a two-time national player of the year. Clark's success and popularity have significantly boosted the profile of women's basketball, an effect known as the "Caitlin Clark effect." Her impact extends beyond individual accolades, contributing to a surge in viewership and interest in the sport.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: Nike Super Bowl Ad

On February 9, 2025, Caitlin Clark was featured in a 90-second Nike commercial during the Super Bowl. The commercial, Nike's first Super Bowl ad since 1998, showcased some of the world's top female athletes.

January 22, 2002: Caitlin Clark's Birth

On January 22, 2002, Caitlin Elizabeth Clark, who is now a professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever, was born.

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November 12, 2019: Commitment to Iowa

On November 12, 2019, Caitlin Clark announced her commitment to play college basketball for Iowa, after reconsidering her verbal commitment to Notre Dame.

March 2022: Partnership with Coralville Community Food Pantry

In March 2022, Caitlin 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", encouraging $22 donations from the public as a nod to Clark's jersey number, and raised over $23,000.

October 2023: Formation of the Caitlin Clark Foundation

In October 2023, Caitlin Clark formed the Caitlin Clark Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission "to uplift and improve the lives of youth and their communities through education, nutrition, and sport."

2023: John Deere Classic Pro-Am Participation

In 2023, Caitlin Clark played in the John Deere Classic Pro-Am alongside professional golfers Zach Johnson and Ludvig Åberg.

2023: Butter Sculpture at Iowa State Fair

In 2023, a life-size butter sculpture of Caitlin Clark was displayed at the Iowa State Fair.

2023: Division I Women's Basketball Academic All-American of the Year

In 2023, as a junior, Caitlin Clark was honored by the College Sports Communicators (CSC) as the Division I Women's Basketball Academic All-American of the Year before winning the same award for all Division I sports.

January 2024: State Farm Donation to Caitlin Clark Foundation

In January 2024, State Farm announced its intention to donate $22,000 to the Caitlin Clark Foundation in honor of Clark's golden birthday.

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, referencing her jersey number.

February 29, 2024: Declaring for the WNBA Draft

On February 29, 2024, Caitlin Clark announced her decision to enter the 2024 WNBA draft, foregoing her fifth year of eligibility. She was widely projected to be the first overall pick.

March 2024: Gatorade Donations to Caitlin Clark Foundation and Women's Sports Foundation

In March 2024, with the release of Caitlin Clark's limited-edition capsule collection, Gatorade donated $25,000 each to the Caitlin Clark Foundation and the Women's Sports Foundation to help increase girls' access to basketball.

April 2024: Saturday Night Live Appearance

In April 2024, Caitlin Clark made a cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live. During a skit on Weekend Update, she critiqued Michael Che's past jokes about women's basketball and provided new jokes for him to read.

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May 2024: Graduation from University of Iowa

In May 2024, Caitlin Clark graduated from the University of Iowa with a major in marketing.

November 2024: NWSL Ownership

In November 2024, Caitlin Clark joined the ownership group intending to bring an expansion National Women's Soccer League team to Cincinnati in 2026.

November 2024: Group 1001 Grant to Caitlin Clark Foundation

In November 2024, during The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, Group 1001 President and CEO Dan Towriss presented Caitlin Clark with a grant of $22,000 to the Caitlin Clark Foundation.

2024: Continued Support for Coralville Community Food Pantry

As of 2024, Caitlin Clark has helped raise over $100,000 for the Coralville Community Food Pantry, and the nonprofit continues to frequently receive $22 donations in her honor.

2024: Participation in The ANNIKA and RSM Classic

In 2024, Caitlin Clark participated in The ANNIKA with Nelly Korda and Annika Sörenstam, and in the RSM Classic with Zach Johnson.

January 2025: Partnership with Scholastic and Book Donation

In January 2025, on Caitlin Clark's 23rd birthday, the Caitlin Clark Foundation partnered with Scholastic and their national literacy program, United States of Readers, and announced its plan to donate 22,000 books to under-resourced elementary and middle schools in both Iowa and Indiana through the United States of Readers program.