So, how does Caitlin Clark top last night? Between breaking the NCAA points scored record with a 35-foot three-pointer, Coach Bluder stopping the game a moment later with a timeout to let the team celebrate, the 49-point Iowa record total for a game, and then 15,000 fans hanging out after the game to cheer and scream and, maybe, shed some tears... well, it seemed like a "valedictory" moment.
A valedictory is a farewell address given by the student earning the highest grade point, to be technical. Caitlin's (may I call you Caitlin?) GPA -- measured in points and amazing moments -- is clearly the highest in her class, which spans an entire nation.
Here's the thing about valedictories: they are given as part of high school or college graduation. They mark a transition (we are always careful to avoid speaking of "endings," and we call the event "commencement," as in commencing adulthood). But, pragmatically, those left behind are symbolically saying goodbye to the student speaking and her classmates.
Kathleen and I agree that despite our joy in the incredible success of the Iowa women's basketball team, next year should see Caitlin move to the WNBA, to the Olympics, to a stage that may embrace much of the globe. Yes, the fans chanted "one more year!" over and over, but there is a rhythm to college sports, particularly for women, that feels right at four years and then onward.
Of course, Covid screwed things up, and the NCAA decided that the 2020 season would not count against athletes' eligibility, so Caitlin could return for a fifth season. But to what end?
Her best friend (Kate Martin) is already in her sixth year (injuries, red shirts, it all seems loosy-goosy), as is Gabby Marshall. Molly Davis, the tiny ball of energy who transferred to a bigger stage last year, is in her fifth season. Those three will be gone.
Whatever happens in the Big Ten tournament and March Madness, there is a logic to Caitlin joining her three friends in a fond farewell to their University of Iowa years and charging into whatever futures await them.
From all appearances, Caitlin's teammates love her and support her without limit. They are a close team and they like to talk about their circle being tight.
But Bluder is bringing in a terrific recruiting class, and Sydney Affolter and Hanna Stuelke are ready to become all-conference in their own rights. By all means, let's take this season as far as we can... but nothing is guaranteed.
Iowa upset South Carolina last April in the national semifinals, and that was the only game that incredible team has lost in two years... but it happened against all odds. LSU rode some unusual shooting from unheralded players to beat the Hawks a couple days later. You just never know what might happen, which is one reason we love sports.
Nebraska celebrated like it had won a national championship just a week ago in Lincoln after pulling an improbable upset over Iowa... and then promptly traveled to #2 Ohio State a few days later only to be blown out 80-47. Can you say "let down"?
Perhaps the most incredible thing about Caitlin Clark is that she hardly ever "lets down," and perhaps we have become a bit jaded. Ah, another logo three. Oh, there's another 40-foot bounce pass for a layup.
College fans often embrace a feeling of "ownership." Iowa is proud of one of its own. It's great to be a Hawkeye! But it's not like we really "own" athletes who don our school's colors.
Caitlin will always be a product of the state of Iowa, but I sense that she is ready for a wider stage and more challenges. I would guess that many WNBA veterans will be licking their chops at the opportunity to put this young upstart in her place... to shut her down...
But my guess is that she will be fine.
It should just be in WNBA arenas across the country.
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