Iowa's NCAA run unites our state

The Hawkeyes, led by Caitlin Clark, go for a national title today

As I sat in a sports bar Friday night, I saw Iowans come together — all because of a team.

Iowa’s women’s basketball team knocked off unbeaten South Carolina 77-73 in an NCAA semifinal at Dallas. Now the Hawkeyes will face Louisiana State in the national championship at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

This win over the defending national champions was a remarkable achievement. Iowa has never had a chance to play for in the title game.

Caitlin Clark scored 41 points in a performance that drew attention from NBA star LeBron James, broadcaster Dick Vitale and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Pat Mahomes. No Iowa college player has received so much attention.

But let’s take a step back and look at Clark’s career. Did you realize that she never won a state title in basketball? That’s right. The Dowling Catholic graduate is looking forward to a chance to earn a team trophy after a four-year run in high school as well as three seasons in college.

Coach Lisa Bluder (with Caitlin Clark) has guided the Hawkeyes to a chance at an NCAA championship. (Photo courtesy UI Athletics.)

Clark, the Naismith Trophy winner as the nation’s top women’s college player, haw been an intense competitor who has put it all together this year.