Iowa Hawkeyes Send Strong Message to Caitlin Clark on Her ESPY Award

Caitlin Clark earned some applause from her alma mater after taking home a pair of ESPY Awards.

The Indiana Fever rookie won the ESPY Awards for Best Record-Breaking Performance and Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports, at the annual award show on July 11. Though Clark couldn't make it to Los Angeles to attend the ceremony as her Fever were preparing for a Friday game against the Phoenix Mercury, Clark made a virtual appearance then earned some love from the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Shortly after she took home the honor for best women's college athlete, Clark got some virtual applause from the college program that she helped to put on the map. The Hawkeyes official page on X re-shared an announcement from the NCAA March Madness page, adding a trio of applause emoji.

Clark ended her storied career at Iowa this spring, becoming the all-time leading Division I scorer for both men's and women's basketball. She led the Hawkeyes to two straight NCAA Tournament final appearances and in April had her number retired by the program.

Related: Indiana Fever Send Strong Message to Caitlin Clark After ESPY Award

The love between Clark and the Hawkeyes is mutual. When her jersey number was retired, Clark shared a heartfelt tribute to fans.

“I would say you’ve all inspired me as much as I inspired you,” she said, via NBC News . “And you allowed me to live out my dream every single day, and for that, I’m very thankful. It’s been very special, and this place will always be home to me.”