Caitlin Clark’s pursuit of a national championship came to a halt following Iowa’s defeat to South Carolina in the NCAA women’s tournament on Sunday.

Although Clark faced disappointment in both national championship appearances during her time at Iowa, prospects are bright for the women’s basketball prodigy. A promising career in the WNBA appears on the horizon for Clark, widely anticipated to be selected as the top pick by the Indiana Fever next week. Prior to embarking on the next chapter of her journey, Clark shared a heartfelt photo on her Instagram story, expressing gratitude to Iowa for the cherished memories.

Caitlin Clark posted this after her final game with Iowa 💛

pic.twitter.com/4UFnW4TGGG

— ESPN (@espn) April 7, 2024

The Iowa Hawkeyes enjoyed another impressive season, falling just short of their ultimate objective. In this instance, Caitlin Clark and her teammates succumbed to the South Carolina Gamecocks in the national championship clash, suffering an agonizing 87-75 loss. Despite an initial 10-0 lead for the Hawkeyes, South Carolina’s dominance prevailed, showcasing their superiority as they secured victory. The Gamecocks’ undefeated run culminated in them becoming the tenth team in NCAA women’s basketball history to clinch the national championship.

Although Iowa faces yet another heartbreaking defeat, their remarkable two-year journey has garnered widespread admiration.

While some critics label Caitlin Clark and her companions as “Chokers,” their achievements cannot be overlooked. Despite consecutive championship losses, Clark’s influence propelled the Hawkeyes farther than anticipated. She and her teammates should hold their heads high, disregarding the negativity.

Caitlin Clark n Iowa on the Big Stage:

pic.twitter.com/fEUFaoIjf2

— Jordan4Hunnid__ (@mr_freshprincee) April 7, 2024

Caitlin clark had 28 shots and only scored 30 points. Another choke job from her. pic.twitter.com/OASF0QZKew

— Michael (@_Mikey1123_) April 7, 2024

Caitlin Clark makes it to the finals only to lose AGAIN!

Tainted legacy? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/r1j27U4PgM

— MyBookie – Bet With The Best (@MyBookie) April 7, 2024

What lies ahead for Caitlin Clark? With her illustrious college basketball career concluded, Clark sets her sights on new endeavors as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer. Having declared for the 2024 WNBA draft, Clark’s transition to the professional league is imminent. Whichever team secures her services not only gains a stellar athlete but also anticipates heightened fan engagement, as Clark’s presence is expected to attract significant crowds. One team is even adjusting their venue in anticipation of the surge in attendance Clark is likely to generate.