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 a prominent American professional basketball player currently playing for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. Widely recognized as one of the greatest female college players, she achieved remarkable success at the University of Iowa, earning the national female college basketball player of the year award twice and becoming the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer. Her impact extends beyond statistics, as she is credited with significantly increasing the popularity of women's basketball, a phenomenon known as the 'Caitlin Clark effect'.

Sections (4)

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

January 22, 2002: Caitlin Clark's Birth

On January 22, 2002, Caitlin Elizabeth Clark was born. She would later become a celebrated basketball player in the WNBA.

Others born on this day/year

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 Iowa over offers from Iowa State and Notre Dame.

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Eligibility

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all players were granted an additional year of eligibility, which Clark ultimately forwent to enter the 2024 WNBA draft.

March 2022: Partnership with Coralville Community Food Pantry

In March 2022, Clark partnered with the Coralville Community Food Pantry in Coralville, Iowa, for a donation push called "Team Up Against Hunger", encouraging $22 donations and raising over $23,000 in the first year.

October 2023: Forms 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 through education, nutrition, and sport.

2023: Clark Signs NIL Deals and Becomes State Farm Spokesperson

In 2023, Caitlin Clark signed with Excel Sports Management and secured numerous name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, including becoming the first college athlete to be a spokesperson for State Farm, appearing in national television commercials.

2023: Clark Participates in John Deere Classic Pro-Am

In 2023, Caitlin Clark, an avid golfer since childhood, played in the John Deere Classic Pro-Am alongside professional golfers Zach Johnson and Ludvig Åberg, showcasing her skills in another sport.

2023: Butter Sculpture at Iowa State Fair

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

May 2024: Clark Graduates from the University of Iowa

In May 2024, Caitlin Clark graduated from the University of Iowa with a major in marketing, marking the culmination of her academic pursuits alongside her basketball career.

2024: Continued Fundraising for Coralville Community Food Pantry

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

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, announcing plans to donate 22,000 books to schools in Iowa and Indiana.

March 2025: Community Courts Initiative

In March 2025, the Caitlin Clark Foundation introduced the Community Courts Initiative in partnership with Musco, planning to install multipurpose recreation courts in Des Moines Public Schools.

April 2025: Hy-Vee Releases Limited-Edition Gatorade Bottle Featuring Clark

In April 2025, Hy-Vee released a limited-edition Cool Blue Gatorade bottle featuring Caitlin Clark, which was sold exclusively at Hy-Vee stores, highlighting her marketability and partnerships.

May 2025: 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, estimated to provide about 3 million meals to food insecure communities.

May 26, 2025: Clark sidelined with strained left quadriceps

On May 26, 2025, it was announced that Caitlin Clark had strained her left quadriceps and would be sidelined for a minimum of two weeks, taking her out of the game for a period of recovery.

June 26, 2025: Clark to Miss Game Due to Groin Injury

On June 26, 2025, the Fever announced that Caitlin Clark would be absent from that day's home game against the Los Angeles Sparks because of a left groin injury, making it her sixth absence of the season. This raised concerns about her physical condition and availability.