Jenica Lewis, a highly regarded 2026 basketball recruit, has expressed admiration for Caitlin Clark, describing the Indiana Fever star as her leading inspiration. In a recent episode of the No Cap Space podcast, Lewis shared how Clark’s journey has influenced her own goals in the sport.
During the interview, host Chaunte’l Powell asked Lewis about watching Iowa natives Caitlin Clark and Hannah Stuelke compete in the NCAA Tournament and how their continued success in both college and the professional ranks has affected her.
“Yeah, just even knowing them is really cool,” Lewis said (Timestamp 3:34). “I mean, you talk to them and you like hear from them and you’re just like, ‘Wow, those are the people you look up to.’ And like, being from Iowa, not a lot of people know you.”
—Jenica Lewis
Lewis emphasized the importance of having role models and how seeing Clark and Stuelke excel despite coming from a smaller state like Iowa has encouraged her own ambition.
“So just having role models as you do is a really big thing, and just being able to see them and see how they can accomplish so many things. Especially from being from Iowa, such a small state. But like, just being able to look up to them and know that they were in the same position that you are, so anything is really possible.”
—Jenica Lewis
How Caitlin Clark and Hannah Stuelke Elevated Iowa Basketball on the National Stage
Caitlin Clark and Hannah Stuelke played pivotal roles in putting Iowa women’s basketball in the national spotlight by leading the Hawkeyes to consecutive NCAA national championship games. Their first appearance came in the 2023 tournament, culminating in a title game against LSU. Despite Clark’s impressive 30 points and eight assists in that decisive match, the Hawkeyes fell 102-85 to LSU.
Returning for the 2023-24 season, Clark and Stuelke helped guide Iowa back to the championship, this time facing South Carolina. The Hawkeyes were defeated 87-75 despite a strong combined 41-point effort from the two stars.
Jenica Lewis’s Rising Career and Recruitment Outlook
Lewis has been a standout player for Johnston High School, where she led the team last season by averaging 18 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.5 steals per game. Her performance has attracted attention from several schools, including Iowa, as she approaches the 2026-27 collegiate season.
Although Iowa remains interested in securing Lewis, the prospect of her playing college basketball in her home state is not certain. Recently, she visited Oregon to explore the Ducks’ program, indicating an open recruitment process.
The Broader Impact of Caitlin Clark’s Role as a Basketball Inspiration
Caitlin Clark’s journey from Iowa college star to professional player with the Indiana Fever has provided a tangible example for young athletes like Jenica Lewis. Clark’s success demonstrates the possibilities for players from smaller states to make a significant impact in basketball.
By highlighting the achievements of Clark and Stuelke, Lewis conveys a message of hope and determination for aspiring players in Iowa and beyond, reinforcing that dedication and talent can lead to opportunities at the highest levels of the sport.