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If there's one name synonymous with the advancement of women's sports at the University of Iowa, it's Dr. Christine Grant.
A true trailblazer, Grant served as the Athletic Director for nearly three decades, and though she ed away on December 31, 2021, her impact continues to be felt.
Most notably, former Iowa standout Caitlin Clark credits much of her own success to the foundation laid by Grant.
As the 2024 WNBA season concluded for Clark and the Indiana Fever, the star player took a moment during an exit interview on September 28th to reflect on Grant's influence.
When asked about the late athletic director, Clark's words echoed the deep respect she held: "Dr. Grant was very close to my coach, Lisa Bluder. She was ionate about ensuring women had the same opportunities as men in sports."
Dr. Grant's tenure at Iowa was marked by tireless efforts to elevate women's athletics. She oversaw 11 women's sports programs by the mid-1970s and played a key role in shaping Title IX policies within the NCAA.
From chalking field lines to fighting for equal opportunities for female athletes, Grant was a pioneer whose contributions were recognized through numerous accolades, including an induction into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame.
Even after her retirement in 2000, Grant's influence lived on, especially in the careers of players like Caitlin Clark. Grant's decision to hire Lisa Bluder, Clark's coach, proved pivotal for the Iowa women's basketball program.
Reflecting on this, Clark shared, "If it wasn't for her and her fight for women's athletics, I'm not sure I'd have had the opportunities I did at Iowa.
"And I'm not sure people would have showed up for the women's basketball program in the manner that they did every single night."
Caitlin Clark's Rise and Continued Connection to Iowa
Caitlin Clark, now the WNBA's top draft pick and record-breaking player, continues to credit her time at Iowa for much of her development.
Known for her long-range 3-pointers, which broke Stephen Curry's NCAA single-season record, Clark's career was built on the legacy of athletes and advocates like Grant.
She noted, "People didn't realize the women's basketball program at Iowa had so many fans before I got there, and they continued to rally around our team.
"A lot of that has carried over to the WNBA. I think the opportunities I had at Iowa certainly helped move forward the game of basketball but also has helped me in the WNBA too."
Despite having left the Iowa Hawkeyes nearly a year ago, Clark remains deeply connected to the team.
Upon seeing a post from Iowa, she humorously captioned it on Instagram, "Someone save me a ticket," showcasing her enduring affection for the program that nurtured her success.
As Caitlin Clark continues to make waves in professional basketball, she stands as a testament to the lasting impact of Dr. Christine Grant's dedication to women's sports.