It’s been two years since the Iowa Hawkeyes said goodbye to Caitlin Clark, one of the greatest players the program has ever seen. The team has moved forward, climbed to No. 11, and opened the season 10–1. But even as the Hawkeyes turn the page, they’re not over Caitlin Clark.

“Caitlin and I text a lot. She hasn’t been back this year for a game. Hopefully we’ll get her back for one at some point, but she’s got new adventures and new mountains to climb,” Jan Jensen shared on December 19.

The Indiana Fever standout has been quite busy this offseason. She recently concluded a two-day training camp to participate with the USA Basketball senior team in Durham. While she is 100% healthy, she still has sponsorship commitments and could be traveling for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March. Still, it’s likely she could find an opportunity to return to her home turf for one game.

“Big games, win, lose, or draw—that kid is with me. And I think she knows that I’m with her,” Jensen added. “One time this year, Taylor Stremlow got a technical during a game, and Caitlin tweeted about it really quickly. But we had a funny text exchange because Caitlin is a little emotional too, so that’s always fun.”

After all, it was at Iowa where her journey to becoming Caitlin Clark truly took flight. It all began when Jensen saw CC playing in middle school. She was the first to fall for her step-back threes and impressive passes. She then recruited CC to Iowa, and in just four years, Clark left the program as a legend. Yet, for Jan, #22 still remains the same kid she met years ago. And that feeling isn’t one-sided.

What Caitlin Clark Feels for Coach Jan?

Playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes, CC was one of the best players in the country. And nothing explains that better than her now-teammate, Aliyah Boston. While recalling the 2023 Final Four loss, Boston said, “We made it pretty far. Then we met Caitlin, lame.” What followed was laughter, but the comment highlighted a truth that Clark had that spark.

Still, the credit for her dominance doesn’t go to CC alone. It is shared by her coaches, and her mates too. That’s why when Jensen took over the helm, CC was just as excited. 

“The program’s going to be in a really good place with Coach Jay taking over,” she said. “She’s been very selfless. She’s had a lot of head coaching opportunities but passed those up to help our program become better. Having that common figure in the locker room for the girls who are still there is really important.” So yes, the bond runs both ways.

Written by

Yashika Dutta

Edited by

Joyita Das