Sat Sep 28 16:58:45 UTC 2024: ## Caitlin Clark Honors Legacy of Trailblazing Iowa Athletic Director

**INDIANAPOLIS, IN** – WNBA star Caitlin Clark, fresh off her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, took a moment to honor the late Dr. Christine Grant, the former Iowa Athletic Director who paved the way for women’s sports at the University of Iowa.

Clark, who was drafted first overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft, credits much of her success to the foundation Grant laid during her nearly three-decade tenure at Iowa.

“Dr. Grant was very close to my coach, Lisa Bluder,” said Clark. “She was passionate about ensuring women had the same opportunities as men in sports. She fought for us.”

Grant’s commitment to women’s athletics saw her oversee the development of 11 women’s sports programs by the mid-1970s and play a vital role in shaping Title IX policies within the NCAA. She was also a key figure in hiring Lisa Bluder, who became a transformative force for the Iowa women’s basketball program.

“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,” Clark stated. “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.”

Clark’s record-breaking performances, including breaking Stephen Curry’s NCAA single-season record for three-pointers, have helped to elevate women’s basketball to new heights. She believes her time at Iowa, heavily influenced by Dr. Grant’s legacy, has been instrumental in her success in the WNBA.

“People didn’t realize the women’s basketball program at Iowa had so many fans before I got there,” Clark said. “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.”

Even after leaving Iowa, Clark remains deeply connected to the program, regularly referencing it on social media. She serves as a shining example of the lasting impact that Dr. Christine Grant’s dedication to women’s sports continues to have.

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