Though it came up one game short, the Iowa Hawkeyes had a march through the 2023 women’s NCAA Tournament for the ages. For the first time in program history, the Hawkeyes advanced to the national championship game.
Behind historic performances from Caitlin Clark and this talented cast of playmakers, Iowa captivated the hearts and minds of the national sports audience.
Clark delivered a masterpiece against South Carolina, downing the No. 1 overall seed Gamecocks behind a 41-point night inside American Airlines Center.
After that, it felt like there was no way Iowa could be denied. Then, unfortunately, Jasmine Carson had other ideas in the national championship game. There were some loud complaints about the title game being marred by poor officiating, but that’s neither here nor there.
One story that Clark, Monika Czinano and Iowa head women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder kept coming back to was the incredible fan support this team received along the way.
From Carver-Hawkeye Arena to Dallas, Texas, fans traveled and came out in droves to share their passionate support for this team. It resonated with the Hawkeyes.
“I will say what I really loved is I saw so many videos of people back in Iowa City, just every single bar completely packed, screaming about women’s basketball. That’s so, so cool to see your impact on your university and your state.
“People love this game. They love this team. And I truly don’t think we would be here if it wasn’t for our fans, the way they’ve traveled at home, at the Big Ten Tournament, out in Seattle, but now here. I think people understand these fans know what women’s basketball is. They’re not just here to scream because we’re here. They’re here because they understand the game and how great we play it. That’s why they’re here, because they can appreciate it.
“I think that’s the biggest thing, what I’ve appreciated most about this journey. It’s going to take me some time, a few weeks to reflect on everything that’s happened. More than anything, I’m grateful, and I want to end it with a championship,” Clark said of the fans before the national title game.
So, this one’s to you, Hawkeye Nation. Here’s a look at the incredible fan support in pictures. Plus, a few from the title game, too.