Caitlin Clark on EXCEEDING Her Record-Setting Shot and Returning to Iowa | WNBA on ESPN

IOWA CITY, IA — On May 4, 2025, Caitlin Clark returned to the court where she became a basketball icon—Carver-Hawkeye Arena—but this time as a professional. Leading the Indiana Fever in a preseason matchup against Brazil’s national team, Clark once again lit up the hardwood and reminded fans exactly why she remains one of the most electrifying figures in women’s basketball.

⭐ A Homecoming Like No Other

This game wasn’t just about preseason action—it was a celebration. Clark’s return to Iowa drew a sellout crowd, with ticket prices reaching an average of $670, making it the most expensive WNBA preseason game in league history (source). Fans, students, and families packed the arena to witness the homecoming of a player who reshaped NCAA women’s basketball.

“To be back here and feel this love is overwhelming—in the best way possible,” Clark told ESPN in a post-game segment. “This court gave me everything, and now I get to share the next chapter here too.”

💥 Exceeding the Records

Clark delivered 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in just under 19 minutes. But it was her logo three—a 36-foot bomb from deep that landed directly over her custom “22” court decal—that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The shot instantly recalled the countless deep threes that made her a household name during her college days at Iowa.

After the game, Clark laughed as she explained the moment. “That shot? Yeah, that was for Ryan Ruocco!” she said, referencing the ESPN broadcaster known for his “You bet!” call—one he delivered again in real-time when she sank it (The Sun).

📺 Media Spotlight & ESPN Coverage

ESPN’s WNBA Countdown featured an extended highlight reel and post-game interview with Clark, focusing not only on her shooting but also her impact on women’s sports and the Fever’s new-look roster. The network emphasized how Clark is already exceeding expectations, even in exhibition games.

Her presence continues to draw comparisons to elite NBA-level excitement, and with the WNBA regular season about to begin, ESPN’s cameras will undoubtedly follow her every step—starting May 17, when the Fever open the season against the Chicago Sky.

🗣️ Acknowledging the Bigger Picture

Clark also used her platform to reflect on the broader visibility of women’s basketball: “This is bigger than me. I see the growth. I feel the energy around the league. And I want everyone—especially young girls—to feel like this is their moment, too.”

📚 Related Reading & Sources:

Caitlin Clark returns to Iowa in Fever preseason blowout
Clark drains deep 3, shouts out ESPN’s Ryan Ruocco
Full ESPN WNBA Feature: Clark’s Fever Debut in Iowa