AJ Ediger, a former Iowa Hawkeyes player and teammate of Caitlin Clark, is making the most of the summer alongside current Hawkeyes. On Saturday, Ediger posted a collection of photos on Instagram celebrating warm evening gatherings with several players from the team. Although Caitlin Clark, now competing in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever, was not featured in the photos, teammates Hannah Stuelke, Kylie Feuerbach, and Taylor McCabe were clearly part of the joyful moments.
Ediger’s connection to the Hawkeyes is deep-rooted, having played three seasons alongside Clark at Iowa. During her college career, Ediger averaged 2.0 points per game and contributed to the team’s consecutive appearances in the national championship games. After completing her collegiate eligibility this year, Ediger is transitioning to the next phase of her life beyond basketball.
Key players prepare to lead Iowa Hawkeyes in upcoming season
Stuelke, Feuerbach, and McCabe will all return for their final season at Iowa City, carrying the responsibility to elevate the Hawkeyes following a disappointing 2024-25 season. Among them, Hannah Stuelke is poised for a significant impact next season after gaining valuable international experience with Team USA at the recent FIBA AmeriCup held in Chile. Their collective efforts will be crucial as the team aims to reclaim a spot among college basketball’s elite.
AJ Ediger reflects on Caitlin Clark’s transformative influence on women’s basketball
Ediger has often spoken about the monumental impact Caitlin Clark has had on women’s basketball globally. Arriving at Iowa in 2021, she saw firsthand how Clark was already shaping the future of the sport and becoming a household name.
Witnessing the rise of the so-called Caitlin Clark effect, Ediger appreciates Clark’s groundbreaking role both on and off the court.
“I can’t wait to look back on it in 20 years and remember being part of a world-changing basketball team,” Ediger said last year, per Holland Sentinel. “At this point, you get used to it, so sometimes it is hard to think about Caitlin doing so many amazing things.
“You spend so much time together and she does so many amazing things — things that other athletes have never done. It is easy to get numb to it, but I try to take a step back and think about all the amazing things she has done for women’s athletes around the world and women’s basketball.”
Clark finished her collegiate career as the all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball history before being selected as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever in last year’s WNBA draft.
Looking ahead: what this means for the Hawkeyes and women’s basketball
The ongoing connection between former and current Iowa Hawkeyes players like Ediger and the current squad emphasizes a strong team culture grounded in shared experiences and high expectations. With rising stars like Stuelke gaining international experience and veterans preparing for their final collegiate season, the Hawkeyes appear determined to push forward in the competitive world of women’s college basketball.
As Caitlin Clark continues to break new ground professionally, teammates and fans alike recognize her lasting influence on the sport. The legacy she helped build at Iowa and the impact she has on women’s athletics worldwide promise to inspire future generations, with teammates like AJ Ediger cherishing the opportunity to have been part of this remarkable journey.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Caitlin Clark sitting with Taylor Swift?
A. Clark was spotted in the same box as Swift at Arrowhead Stadium during the Chiefs’ playoff game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. This marks their first appearance together at a game. Clark mentioned that Swift invited her to attend earlier in the season.
Q. Why is Taylor Swift sitting with Caitlin Clark?
A. Swift was observed sitting with WNBA player Caitlin Clark during the Chiefs’ home game against the Houston Texans. Clark’s visit to Swift’s suite occurred shortly after the Indiana Fever player shared that the singer had invited her to the game.
Q. How did Caitlin Clark end up with Taylor Swift?
A. Clark, who has been a Chiefs supporter and a Taylor Swift fan for a long time, received an invite to join Swift. This happened after Clark attended the pop star’s Eras Tour concert at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Q. Is Caitlin Clark hanging out with Taylor Swift?
A. Caitlin Clark had a lovely reaction when asked about attending a Chiefs game with Taylor Swift. Clark, at 23 years old, shared all about her January 18th visit with 35-year-old Swift. Together, they supported Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and the Chiefs in their win against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium.