Russell accepts HOF ring 44 years after induction

When Caitlin Clark was in high school, her dream school to attend was UConn. But UConn never actively recruited her and Geno Auriemma never reached out. “The lack of interest from UConn stung,” writes ESPN’s Wright Thompson in the profile.

“Honestly, it was more I wanted them to recruit me to say I got recruited,” Clark told Thompson. “I loved UConn. I think they’re the coolest place on Earth, and I wanted to say I got recruited by them. They called my AAU coach a few times, but they never talked to my family and never talked to me.”

While Clark considered Iowa State, Texas, Oregon and Oregon State, she eventually narrowed her list to Iowa and Notre Dame.

Clark grew up in a Catholic family and attended a Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade, giving Notre Dame an edge.

Clark initially gave a commitment to Notre Dame’s former head coach Muffet McGraw and informed Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder of the decision. But an official announcement never came and Clark changed her mind to attend Iowa instead.

“I’m 17 years old and I’m sitting in my room and I’m sweating my ass off,” said Clark. “I’m about to call [McGraw]. She is an intimidating individual. She was really understanding. She kinda knew. She was great. Then I called Coach Bluder.”