Slice of Life Post March 27, 2023

I am in complete and total awe of Iowa University Women’s basketball team. Even one of my good friends who never watches sports, has started to tune in. These classy ladies are putting a face on women’s basketball. Young girls show up to the games, and the stars such as Caitlin Clark happily sign their autographs.

Caitlin Clark is truly a magnificent basketball player and last night she played one of her best games of the season. She also accomplished something no one has even done before in NCAA men’s or women’s basketball, she had the first triple double with forty points or more, scoring 41 points with 11 assists and ten rebounds. Caitlin’s energy and athleticism is magical, and it was a joy to watch the Iowa women’s basketball team pull away from Louisville to handily win the game.

Of course, Caitlin has fantastic teammates. McKenna Warnock played superbly but got into foul trouble as did Caitlin’s partner-in-crime, Monika Czinano who, I believe, has only dribbled once during the whole NCAA Women’s basketball tournament and that’s because Clark’s ball handling and passing is top-notch. Caitlin passes Monika the ball and Monika jumps and scores. No wonder people like to wear the t-shirt that says Law Firm of Clark and Czinano. Gabby Marshall was also effective in the second half, dropping several three-point shots and showing amazing defensive skills during the entire game. Kate Martin was also magnificent encouraging the team to work and communicate with each other while handling the ball and throwing off Louisville’s outstanding offense.

Caitlin Clark is currently in the running for the Naismith award which is to honor the player of the year. She is so deserving, and I truly hope she receives this award. Thankfully, she plans to return to Iowa next year so even if they lose their next game, I know I’ll get to see her play again.

Of course, Lisa Bluder and Jan Jensen are amazing coaches. Bluder went to high school with my sister and were great friends at that time in their life. Lisa works hard to encourage her players to fulfill their dreams, and Jensen’s work ethic was on clear display last night because she was with the team even though she had lost her father to cancer that very morning.

I’ll be rooting these ladies on next weekend when they go to Texas to play in the final four tournament. This is what I call Hawkeye Heaven, and I plan to relish every moment I can watching them play. I will be completely thrilled if they advance to the final game.