The Backstory of Caitlin Clark’s Recruitment
Former Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Muffet McGraw recently shared insights into Caitlin Clark’s decision to decommit from her program during the star’s recruiting process back in 2019. This revelation came during an appearance on the “Good Game With Sarah Spain” podcast, where McGraw reflected on how Clark’s choice could have changed the course of her coaching career.
An Uncertain Commitment
McGraw disclosed that although she received a verbal commitment from Clark, she always sensed a level of uncertainty surrounding it. “She committed to us, but I had a feeling it was kind of a soft commitment when she did,” McGraw explained. The hesitation seemed to linger, leading to a dramatic wait for the final decision.
Ultimately, on November 12, 2019, Clark announced her commitment to Iowa, leaving McGraw and the Notre Dame program to ponder what could have been. “After that, we waited and waited for her to announce it,” McGraw recalled. “I kept saying, ‘When is it coming out?’ And then when she made the announcement, she was going to Iowa.”
A Bittersweet Decision
McGraw, who retired from coaching in April 2020, just months before Clark’s freshman year, reflected on how Clark’s decision impacted her career. “I may still be coaching if Caitlin Clark came to Notre Dame,” she stated candidly. Despite the disappointment, McGraw acknowledged that Clark’s choice was likely a wise one, considering her incredible success at Iowa.
Family Influence and Personal Choices
Caitlin Clark later revealed that her family had hoped she would choose Notre Dame, citing the school’s prestigious reputation and her love for the film “Rudy.” “At the end of the day they were like, you make the decision for yourself,” she noted. Ultimately, she followed her instincts, saying, “I could feel it in my gut, I was like ‘Ahh, I’m not supposed to go there.'”
Clark’s decision was shaped by her desire to remain close to home and her Midwest roots, which played a significant role in narrowing her options during the recruitment process.
Success at Iowa
Caitlin Clark’s time at Iowa proved to be groundbreaking. Over four years, she shattered multiple program and NCAA records, including becoming the all-time leading scorer in college basketball history, both men and women. Her journey also led her to meet her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, who played on the Iowa men’s basketball team under his father, head coach Fran McCaffery.
Under her leadership, Iowa made remarkable tournament runs, including two consecutive national championship game appearances. Clark’s performance in college basketball culminated in her being the No. 1 overall selection by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Notre Dame’s Journey Without Clark
In contrast, Notre Dame experienced a different trajectory without Clark. Under current head coach Niele Ivey, the Fighting Irish reached the NCAA tournament three years in a row from 2021 to 2024, but fell short in the regional semifinals each time. Meanwhile, Clark was making headlines with her impactful performances in the tournament, leading Iowa to significant victories.
A Bright Future Ahead
Clark quickly made a name for herself in the WNBA, earning the Rookie of the Year title, being selected for the All-Star team, and leading the league in assists during her debut season. She also played a crucial role in guiding the Fever to the playoffs.
In 2024, her achievements were recognized beyond the basketball court as she was named Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year, solidifying her status as one of the most influential figures in sports.
As McGraw reflects on the path not taken, both she and Clark have forged their own successful trajectories that continue to captivate basketball fans everywhere.
