Caitlin Clark's impact on Iowa is similar to Michael Jordan's impact on North Carolina, HC Jan Jensen explains
Caitlin Clark is set to have her Iowa jersey retired in 2025 to commemorate her legendary collegiate career. Iowa Hawkeyes coach Jan Jensen went on to compare how Clark's impact on Iowa was similar to Michael Jordan's during his time at North Carolina.
On Thursday, Jensen reacted to the news of Clark's No. 22 jersey being hung up to the rafters on Feb. 2, 2025, reflecting on the impact the former Iowa star left on the game of women's basketball as she is now a young star in the WNBA.
She used Jordan's collegiate career at North Carolina, where he won a national championship, to describe the significance of Clark's jersey being retired.
"I think Caitlin's impact will not just be on this year's [team], but most every year to come. I think I've used that Michael Jordan analogy with North Carolina, right? I think he will always be part of the lore... I think Caitlin is similar in that impact," Jan Jensen said.
"I think she's amazing in what she continues to handle, with all that she's done and succeeded. The way that kid can manage and shine far exceeds anything that her critics can throw at her. She changed the game, she moved the needle... I think she is so deserving. I mean, that Time magazine Athlete of the Year, it's monumental, right?"
Jan Jensen managing through new era of Iowa basketball
Taking over the Hawkeyes after the end of Caitlin Clark's playing career and Lisa Bluder's coaching career, Jan Jensen understood the challenges that would come her way with the responsibilities. She gets plenty of motivation and support from her family to stay the course.
"That gives me strength to make sure that I don't let one loss (bring me down), and who knows, maybe it's going to be two, three in a row or more. You keep the main thing the main thing. Which is, to me, coaching is education and you are a teacher. You think back on the teachers you really enjoyed or the ones that really helped shape you, that's what I want to be," Jensen said.
Her first year as Iowa's head coach is off to a strong start, winning nine of their first 11 games. They are averaging 75.5 points on 47.3% shooting from the field and 31.8% from beyond the arc. Lucy Olsen has been a key scorer in nine games, averaging 18.3 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds on 44.7% shooting overall.
Jan Jensen and No. 22 Iowa will look to obtain their 10th win of the season when they host Northern Iowa at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET.