IOWA CITY, Iowa — Officially, the celebration was to acknowledge all that Caitlin Clark accomplished for Iowa basketball.

The scoring achievements. The championships. The consecutive trips to the national championship game.

However, long before her No. 22 jersey was raised to the rafters on Sunday, it was clear this occasion represented something much greater. Clark has gone beyond her sport, altering the perception of women and female athletes, providing her fans a moment to express their gratitude.

Fans gathered outside for several hours before the game began, even before the doors opened. While the weather was unusually warm, it was still February in the Midwest.

Once the gates opened at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, students hurried to grab the best available seats while season ticket holders made their way to theirs more gradually. Most sported gear featuring Clark’s number or shirts with phrases like “You break it, you own it,” and “HER” emblazoned over a map of Iowa.

When Clark took her place, just before the game started, the crowd erupted as if she had just made a last-second three-pointer.

“Reflecting on this past year and everything we’ve experienced has been enjoyable,” Clark remarked before the game. “Returning here and not being able to play feels a bit strange, but it’s an exciting time for this program. I’m grateful to be part of it.”

Women’s basketball in Iowa has always attracted fans, and the sport was on the rise even before Clark started making her incredible shots. Yet her unique ability to captivate audiences has had a remarkable effect both on and off the court.

Last year, Iowa women’s team ticket sales surpassed those of the men’s team, and this season’s season tickets were again sold out. There is fierce competition among sponsors and investors eager to support women’s sports.

The previous skeptics of women’s sports have retreated, aware that any attempts to undermine them would only highlight their own ignorance. The girls and young women cheering for Clark see her as a beacon of possibility, knowing they can aspire to anything.

Most significantly, the boys and men watching her recognize this too.

“The incredible image you’ve created for this basketball program, this university, this state, and women’s basketball nationwide is immeasurable,” former Iowa coach Lisa Bluder, who retired after last year’s season, told Clark during the retirement celebration.

“I’ve dedicated my career to empowering young women, but you’ve achieved more in four years than anyone could have anticipated,” she continued. “You’ve demonstrated why investing in women’s sports and women in general is wise.

“It’s not just the right thing to do,” Bluder asserted, her voice almost drowned out by the cheers, “it’s the intelligent choice.”

While Clark acknowledges the growing attendance and interest in women’s sports, understanding its full impact may take time, likely not until her playing days are over.

Yet Sunday’s game offered her a glimpse of the phenomenon known as “the Caitlin Clark effect” from the stands.

The Hawkeyes, understandably challenged after losing Clark as well as Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall, came out strong against fourth-ranked USC. The Trojans struggled, failing to score until JuJu Watkins made a three-pointer with just 26 seconds left in the first quarter, while Iowa built a lead of 19 points in the second quarter.

USC managed to fight back, resulting in a close game throughout the second half, particularly as Lucy Olsen took control in the final stretch.

In the stands with her boyfriend, brothers, and parents, Clark waved her hands and directed Iowa’s players as if she were coaching from the sidelines, cheering enthusiastically for every shot taken. As Iowa gained a lead, she remained standing, leaning in and passionately encouraging her team.

The atmosphere in the arena was electric, comparable to the most thrilling moments in basketball, regardless of gender. When Iowa clinched a 76-69 victory, the student section rushed the court to celebrate.

“The energy was electrifying,” remarked Watkins, the talented sophomore who could rise to challenge Clark’s records in the future.

“It’s a reflection of Caitlin’s impact and speaks volumes about where the sport is headed,” Watkins added. “I’m incredibly grateful to contribute to this and demonstrate the capabilities of women’s basketball.”

That is where Clark’s true impact lies.

The jersey in the rafters, the retired number, serve as tangible symbols of her accomplishments as a player. Yet, Clark’s influence is so broad and transformative, no banner could ever do it justice.

“It was inspiring to witness all the love around her,” said Watkins, who along with the USC team stayed to watch Clark’s jersey retirement. “As a big fan of hers, seeing her receive this honor is incredible.”

Watkins could have a similar experience in Los Angeles when her time at USC concludes. However, Sunday was dedicated to Clark, a well-deserved tribute to her legacy and extensive influence.”

Follow YSL News Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.