A former college basketball coach shares the real story of how Caitlin Clark’s commitment was lost.

In the world of college basketball, a recruit’s commitment is not just a momentous decision for the player but also a turning point for the programs involved. But as much as we hear about the glitz and glamour of college sports, the behind-the-scenes process is often messy, complex, and laden with unexpected twists. One of the most talked-about recruitment stories in recent memory is that of Caitlin Clark, a player who ultimately became a superstar for the University of Iowa. But what many people don’t know is how her commitment was initially lost, an episode in college basketball recruiting history that has shaped how we view the recruiting process today.

I was fortunate enough to be in the mix during Caitlin Clark’s recruitment, serving as a coach at a rival university. Watching her grow from a promising high school talent to the elite player she became, I had a front-row seat to the emotional roller coaster of recruiting. But this story isn’t just about basketball. It’s about how college sports often mismanage their most important asset—the players—and how Caitlin Clark’s journey highlights the problems with the system.

A Star is Born

Caitlin Clark was always destined to be special. From a young age, she stood out not only because of her height and athleticism but also because of her vision and basketball IQ. By the time she reached high school, she was already dominating, particularly with her long-range shooting, a skill that was far ahead of most of her peers. She was a player who could create her own shot, score in any way possible, and make her teammates better. It wasn’t just her talent that made her shine; it was her mindset, her relentless work ethic, and her unshakable confidence. These are the qualities that separate the good from the great.

It didn’t take long before Caitlin began receiving attention from top college programs across the country. Coaches were flocking to see her play, and for good reason. She was the kind of player that could change the fortunes of any program. But as I watched her recruitment unfold, it became painfully obvious how misguided some of the approaches to landing such an exceptional player were.

The Pitfalls of Overzealous Recruiting

Recruiting a player like Caitlin Clark is never easy. The pressure mounts from every direction—coaches, boosters, fans, and even the player’s family—all pushing for a commitment to their respective programs. The problem is that all too often, these stakeholders get caught up in the excitement and forget the most important factor: the player’s needs.

When Caitlin was in high school, I was working with a program that, much like many other schools, was aiming to secure a top-tier recruit like her. We had a plan in place. We would meet with her, showcase our facilities, talk to her about the winning culture we had in place, and, of course, make an offer. We had our eye on her as early as her sophomore year, and we made sure to recruit her heavily.

But here’s where things started to go wrong. In our eagerness to secure her commitment, we fell into the trap of treating Caitlin like a commodity rather than a person. We focused too much on the glamour of playing for a program with a winning pedigree and not enough on what Caitlin really wanted out of her college experience. We were more concerned about how she would fit into our system than about whether our system was the best fit for her. And this is where many college programs fail.

Caitlin wasn’t just looking for the biggest name or the flashiest program. She was looking for somewhere that would allow her to grow and give her the freedom to play her game. She needed a program that trusted her ability to handle the ball, create offense, and be herself on the court. Unfortunately, the schools that were recruiting her the hardest—including mine—had yet to fully understand this aspect of her personality and game.

The Missed Opportunity

By the time Caitlin had narrowed down her list of schools, she had already developed a strong sense of what she wanted. There was one program, however, that truly resonated with her: the University of Iowa. Iowa wasn’t the biggest or the most hyped program, but it was a place that made Caitlin feel like she belonged. The head coach, Lisa Bluder, was one of the few coaches who truly understood Caitlin’s needs. Bluder had a track record of developing players and giving them the freedom to express their skills, a philosophy that aligned perfectly with Caitlin’s desire for autonomy on the court.

But here’s the twist: before Iowa had become the frontrunner, Caitlin had originally given a verbal commitment to another program. Yes, you heard that right—she was on the verge of committing to a school that she ultimately decided wasn’t the right fit.

The other program, one with a solid reputation, had almost secured Caitlin’s commitment. They had done everything right on paper—offering her a scholarship, showcasing their facilities, meeting with her family—but somewhere along the way, they lost sight of what mattered most. They didn’t take the time to understand Caitlin’s unique needs and aspirations, and they didn’t respect her autonomy. She felt more like a piece of their puzzle than a valued recruit.

It was in that moment of disillusionment that Caitlin took a step back. She realized that her commitment needed to be to a program that would allow her to be herself, to lead, and to play freely. And that’s when Iowa entered the picture.

The Final Decision

When Caitlin made her final commitment to Iowa, it was a decision that seemed almost anti-climactic. After all the drama, the meetings, the pitches, and the promises, she chose a school that wasn’t necessarily the most prestigious, but it was the one that offered her the best fit as a player and a person. Lisa Bluder’s understanding of Caitlin’s needs and her willingness to let Caitlin run the show on the court ultimately won out. It was the exact opposite of what many of the other schools had offered: a place where Caitlin could truly thrive.

The result? We all know what happened next. Caitlin Clark became one of the most dominant players in college basketball. Her three-point shooting became a hallmark of her game, and she led Iowa to multiple deep tournament runs. Her impact on the program was immediate and undeniable. She was allowed to flourish in an environment where she was trusted, valued, and free to express her skills. Iowa, which had once been a middle-of-the-pack program, soon became a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.

But the story of Caitlin Clark’s recruitment is not just a tale of success; it’s a cautionary one. It serves as a reminder that college sports programs must not only sell their teams to recruits but also listen to what the recruit wants and needs. This isn’t just about winning championships; it’s about building relationships that go beyond the basketball court.

Lessons Learned

Looking back on Caitlin Clark’s recruitment, there are valuable lessons for both coaches and recruits. Coaches must understand that recruiting isn’t about winning the battle of the pitch; it’s about finding the right fit for both the player and the program. As a coach, I’ve learned that listening to a player’s needs and creating an environment where they can excel is far more important than trying to force them into a system that doesn’t work for them.

For recruits, the lesson is clear: never commit to a program because of its name or reputation alone. Make sure the culture, the coaching staff, and the system align with your values and style of play. Caitlin Clark’s journey proves that success doesn’t come from following the crowd—it comes from making the decision that’s best for you.

As for Caitlin, she will always be remembered not only for her incredible talent but also for her resilience in the face of a process that could have easily gone wrong. In the end, she didn’t just choose Iowa—she chose herself, and that made all the difference.