Iowa women electrify a state relishing new heights for women’s basketball

IOWA CITY — Every rebound. Every steal. Every bucket. And, especially, every Caitlin Clark three-pointer shook Carver-Hawkeye-Arena Sunday afternoon.

Thousands gathered to watch history in the making, as Iowa and Louisiana State University met in the NCAA women’s basketball championship game in Dallas, both seeking their first national title.

Carver-Hawkeye Arena is amped. #FightForIowa pic.twitter.com/8KhWxya6BS

— Tom Barton (@tjbarton83) April 2, 2023

From the season ticket holder to the casual fan to the die-hard, Iowa women’s basketball has captivated Iowans young and old and elevated the sport, the program and the university to unprecedented heights.

That was the common refrain from many, who donned shirts that read “Why Not Us?”

“It seems like every week of this tournament I’ve had more and more students make a comment about a game they otherwise might not have watched,” said Chris Murdock, 34, a teacher from Des Moines who joined a group of seven other Hawkeye faithful in Iowa City at 11:30 a.m. — two hours before doors opened — to tailgate in the parking lot ahead of the 2:30 p.m. game.

And it’s not just his female students that have been captivated by the electrifying performance, grit and determination of a team that has racked up records.

“You’re also starting to see more and more of our guys wearing Caitlin Clark jerseys, and it’s so cool to see that validation on that level,” Murdock said. “And in subtle, unspoken ways. It’s fun watching that transformation happen in front of all of us, especially from our younger generation.”

Fellow teacher Kate Murray, 31, of Iowa City, said it’s especially surreal and gratifying to see how one team — and in particular one player in Caitlin Clark — has made the entire sports community turn their eyes toward them, their state and their sport with masterful and sensational performances that have drawn the praise of many big-name celebrities. That includes the likes of WWE legend and actor John Cena, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes, San Francisco 49ers tight end and former Hawkeye football player George Kittle and NBA superstars LeBron James and Steph Curry.

“Those male representatives taking it from that high point to show that our younger male viewers, too, that this is something to be proud of — that this is something that you should engage in, that this is something you should pay attention to,” Murray said.

Paige Ryan, 32, of Iowa City, interjects: “And that women’s basketball is also the real deal. They’re a force to be reckoned with.”

“People that don’t care about women’s basketball have been texting me and saying, ‘Oh my god! Did you watch that (last game)? It was so awesome!” Ryan said. “People are finally understanding what we’ve been seeing the past few years.”

That “this is the best kept secret from Iowa in a long time,” interjects Diana Besler, 61, of Iowa City.

Megan O’Brien, 36, of Iowa City, added “it’s just really special how fun the team is to watch.”

“You can just tell how well they get along and they just play together,” O’Brien said.

University of Iowa senior Emily Ratermann, 21, of Davenport, wore a shirt that read “Badass Female Athlete.”

Ratermann said it feels like she’s grown up alongside the team, following them since she was a freshman.

“Women’s athletics is really looked over so much compared to men’s sports,” she said. “And are just now being shown the recognition” long deserved.

“It helps bring recognition to the school and to women’s athletics in general,” Ratermann said.

Megan Gee, 35, of Eldridge, said the excitement is felt across the state of Iowa, especially by young girls like her daughter, 11-year-old Braelyn, who dreams of someday playing college basketball.

Braelyn said she seeks to emulate Clark, a player who not only seemingly can score on a whim from any range — including “from the logo” three-pointers — but one who lifts up and is able to rally her teammates.

“It’s a great experience to watch, even if you’re not at the game,” Braelyn said.

Braelyn Gee, 11, of Eldridge, IA, reflects on the historic, inspirational journey @IowaWBB has made this season to play in #NCAAWBB championship and the importance of team work, determination and perseverance. pic.twitter.com/25p3EyAZr0

— Tom Barton (@tjbarton83) April 2, 2023

Megan Gee said it’s been rewarding to see her daughter’s excitement for a group of young female role models so close to home.

“I just love having those memories with her watching them,” Megan Gee said. “And she’s playing basketball so she’s learning a lot watching the older girls play. … It’s just great that they have that role model to look up to.”

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds pointed to the team’s influence in a tweet posted after Sunday’s loss: “A HISTORIC RUN! Congratulations @IowaWBB on inspiring so many Iowans and little girls this season. You’ve made IOWA proud!”

A HISTORIC RUN!

Congratulations @IowaWBB on inspiring so many Iowans and little girls this season!

You’ve made IOWA proud! pic.twitter.com/DbNtZGXNRk

— Kim Reynolds (@KimReynoldsIA) April 2, 2023

Cody Gee, 35, Megan’s husband and Braelyn’s dad, said as a father it’s been rewarding to watch such a historic, memorable season through his daughter’s eyes — and to share a memory that will last a lifetime.

“It shows what young girls can do if they really put their mind to something, and it definitely puts Iowa on the map,” Cody Gee said.

He said Iowa’s upset win over previously undefeated defending champs South Carolina in Friday’s semifinal game encapsulates what an electrifying, entertaining and memorable season it has been for Hawkeye fans.

“They were not favored at all and outsized, but just your hard work and your hustle and determination, they just kind of proved that if you work together and stick together, you can find a way to win,” Cody Gee said. “I think that was the coolest thing, is just watching them kind of just prove the doubters (wrong).”

Jean Frauenholtz, of West Branch, is an 81-year-old season ticket holder who has been following Iowa women’s basketball for the better part of the past three decades after moving to the state from Missouri.

“It’s amazing,” Frauenholtz exclaimed from her seat at the top of the concourse at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. “I have family from all over the country sending congratulations because of this game. … It’s so fantastic to have (the prospect) of national champions from Iowa. Women. I love it!

“It’s going to grow,” Frauenholtz said of recognition of the university and its women’s basketball program. “It’s going to grow. And it’s going to grow big.”

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