Caitlin Clark was denied dream jersey number due to unusual team rule

When fans think of Caitlin Clark, they think of the No. 22 she has sported in the WNBA and during her iconic Iowa days in college – but the All-Star guard has not always worn the number

Caitlin Clark is synonymous with the No. 22 – but an odd rule meant the WNBA superstar was banned from donning the jersey number during her high school days.

Clark departed college as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark dominated on the court and finished her debut season as the WNBA Rookie of the Year having posting 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a league-leading 8.4 assists per game while setting a number of records – including the single-game assist record (19).

Clark led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff berth since 2016 and is leading a women’s sporting revolution. She is linked to the No. 22 after starring for Iowa and dominating as a rookie in the pros with the number emblazoned on her back

Why No. 22? Clark admitted she is “honestly not a very creative person” when it comes to the jersey number. She was born on Jan. 22, 2002, and from the age of 5, the 23-year-old has stuck with her birthday-inspired number.

Remarkably, Clark was actually denied the No. 22 during her four years at Downing Catholic High School. Instead, she made a name for herself around the circuit wearing a different number.

Downing Catholic prevented players from wearing even numbers, so Clark was forced to halve her familiar digits to sport the No. 11 throughout her high school days. However, she continued to wear No. 22 starring for the Iowa Attack AAU program, and remarkable performances saw Clark surge to No. 4 in ESPN’s Class of 2020 recruiting rankings.

After choosing to join the Hawkeyes, Clark took the No. 22 jersey that has a history in Iowa. Kathleen Doyle, who graduated ahead of Clark’s freshman season, averaged 18 points and six assists as a senior and led Iowa to its first Elite Eight since 1993, while Samantha Logic was picked 10th in the WNBA Draft.

But Clark quickly surpassed them all. She shattered the all-time NCAA men’s and women’s scoring record, leading the Hawkeyes to back-to-back National Championship appearances while she became the only player in NCAA Division I men’s or women’s basketball history to lead her conference in scoring and assists in four consecutive seasons. As a result, Iowa retired her iconic No. 22 jersey.

“Words cannot express my love for my teammates, coaches, and fans and our university,” Clark wrote on social media as her jersey was retired on Feb. 2.” Thanks for making my dreams come true. Wearing Iowa across my chest the last four years has been an honor. This place will always be home.”