The Caitlin Clark effect is fading in Iowa as five schools provide a troubling update

When Caitlin Clark burst onto the basketball scene and broke records, there was a feeling that Iowa would soon become the breeding ground for a new generation of basketball stars. We imagined more Iowa girls taking the court. Well, the story doesn’t turn out the way we expected. The opposite seems to be the case.

Instead of seeing an increase in participation, numbers at the high school level are actually declining. Just this year, five high schools in Iowa — Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, Sibley-Ocheyedan, West Sioux, Central City and Charles City — decided not to field girls’ basketball teams.

The reason? A sharp decline in numbers. These schools either don’t have enough players or their rosters are dominated by underclassmen who aren’t ready for varsity competition. Adelynn Howell, a sophomore at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, expressed her grief, saying: “Basketball has always been an important part of my life. And served as an outlet for me.”

How does this happen in a state where basketball once reigned supreme and produced athletes like Caitlin Clark? The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) has confirmed a steady decline in participation, with about 300 fewer girls playing basketball than five years ago.

IGHSAU’s Gary Ross pointed out the trend but acknowledged that the organization had not accurately identified the root causes. It’s not just basketball, though. Other sports such as soccer, baseball and softball are also seeing declining numbers. But in basketball there’s another layer of the problem: one-sided games.

Last season, more than 30 Iowa teams ended their nights with an average lead of at least 20 points. Nobody enjoys being part of a 70-point loss – neither the winning team nor the losing team. It’s disheartening for players, parents and communities alike.

What’s even more devastating is that this is happening right after CC’s stellar rookie season. It’s safe to say that the 2024 WNBA season is booked and the reason for this is the “Caitlin Clark Effect.” The WNBA posted record-breaking numbers. Of 23 WNBA games that drew over a million viewers, Clark played in 20.

She is living proof of what Iowa athletes can achieve. But at home the pipeline seems to be drying up. The Indiana Fever star has arguably done the most to increase the visibility of women’s basketball in recent years than anyone else. But visibility alone is not enough to sustain grassroots participation.

Also, do you know? Iowa had a unique basketball culture that was the envy of many states when Caitlin wasn’t even born.

Long before Caitlin Clark, Iowa was home to a rich tradition in girls basketball

Girls’ basketball in Iowa dates back to the early 1900s, and in 1920 the state hosted its first official tournament. Rural communities rallied around their teams with pride, and girls were celebrated for both their athleticism and their contribution to community identity.

For decades, Iowa played a special 6-on-6 version of basketball that emphasized teamwork, strategy and skill. Players like Deb Coates and Kim Peters became legends and their performances garnered national attention.

The annual Sweet Sixteen state tournament was a must-see event, drawing sellout crowds to Des Moines where the players were treated like royalty. It was a tradition marked by respect and reverence for the game.

But times have changed. In the 1970s, Title IX expanded athletic opportunities nationwide and Iowa eventually switched to the more conventional 5-on-5 game. While this opened doors of opportunity, it also marked the end of an era.

But what happens next? How can a state with such a rich tradition turn things around? Perhaps the key lies in revitalizing the community spirit that once made girls basketball in Iowa so special. Caitlin Clark may be the face of the sport right now, but the future depends on the next generation finding the same love for the sport and finding a place to play.