Caitlin Clark’s leadership called out as coach makes telling comment about what’s missing

Caitlin Clark’s leadership qualities have been praised by her former college coach, as the Iowa Hawkeyes continue to struggle for results.

The 22-year-old has been an exceptional talent in the WNBA, surpassing rookie records and making it to the playoffs at the first time of asking. Clark led the Fever in points scored and assists recorded, breaking the previous achievements for the highest rookie scores, and became the first debut player to land a triple-double.

Her former college team will have missed her performances, but Hawkeyes coach Jan Jensen believes Iowa feels the most affected by losing Clark’s leadership. Jensen addressed the team’s “lack of senior leadership” after they got off to a 12-4 start – but going 2-3 in the newly-expanded Big 10 league.

The Hawkeyes lost back-to-back conference games for the first time since Clark’s first year in college basketball, and FOX reports that Jensen has cited the young age of the current team as one reason why.

The head coach said: “I can’t afford to compare what has happened in the past, because these guys are giving me a lot and they’re still young, and I have to develop a little bit of senior leadership or upperclassman leadership, because that is what we’re missing.”

Clark’s level-headedness and leadership could well be what the Hawkeyes lack. She took her natural talent and ability to perform under pressure into the WNBA to achieve many things in her debut season.

IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 3: Head coach Lisa Bluder (L) and associate head coach Jan Jensen (R) of the Iowa Hawkeyes hug guard Caitlin Clark #22 during the senior day program following the match-up against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 3, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa.© Matthew Holst/Getty Images

In her four seasons at Iowa, the point guard broke the NCAA’s all-time scoring record among both men’s and women’s players and led the team to the NCAA championship twice. Her impact at Iowa was incredible – so much so that the team will retire her iconic number 22 jersey next month.

The Hawkeyes have organized a ceremony to hang Clark’s jersey from the rafters at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena after they honor one of the league’s most successful players. FOX will broadcast the event on February 2, and Clark is expected to attend.

This ceremony and Jensen’s words truly reflect just how impactful the young athlete is in her sport, and this spells success for Clark for years to come.