Discover the Difference: Faith family cheers for basketball star

by Diocese of Des Moines | April 18, 2023

Caitlin Clark took her home state—and fans far beyond—on a thrilling ride to the University of Iowa women’s basketball team’s first appearance in the national championship game.

Though the Hawkeyes fell to Louisiana State University, Clark and her team demonstrated traits that her Catholic school alma maters—St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School and Dowling Catholic High School, both in West Des Moines—try to instill in all of their students: teamwork and good sportsmanship.

“Catholic education is about formation of the whole person, not just the mind,” said her pastor, Father Joe Pins, of St. Francis Parish. “Obviously athletics is a big part of that as well.”
In a postgame broadcast interview April 2, Clark talked about how her playing, which attracted national attention, affects the next generation of players.

“I want my legacy to be the impact that I have on young kids and the people in the state of Iowa,” she said. “I hope I brought them a lot of joy this season.”

Boy, did she!

“We’re just loving this,” said Shelley Goodell. She and a few dozen St. Francis parishioners gathered at St. Francis Parish March 31 to watch Clark’s Hawkeyes upset top-ranked South Carolina in the Final Four. 

“There could not be a more perfect place to cheer her on than the place of her origin and the place where it all started,” Goodell said. “She’s confident. She’s a team player. She’s very humble. I think she represents what’s best about being raised in the Catholic faith. She really is the perfect role model for all the kids.”

Students at St. Francis School see Clark succeeding on the court and are amazed she walked the same halls they do, said parent Maggie DeWitte. Last Friday, the school celebrated their alumna by lining the halls and clapping, which they typically do for graduating students.

“It was just a good memory for those kids,” she said.

Clark’s former coach at Dowling Catholic, Kristin Meyer, said Clark and a few other players worked with her to create the three Dowling Catholic Girls Basketball team pillars: tradition, love, and consistency. 

“I think Caitlin lives out our team pillars at an extremely high level,” Meyer said. “Caitlin absolutely loved wearing a Dowling Catholic jersey when she was in high school, and representing our school and community. She grew up watching her older cousins and older brother play at Dowling Catholic and hearing stories from her mom and aunts and uncles who attended Dowling Catholic, and her grandfather who coached and was a school counselor here.”

Even in high school, Clark gave her time to positively influence younger players.

“Caitlin was always willing to give time and energy to work with younger players at our youth camps, visit with youth teams and promote Dowling Catholic and girls basketball in general,” Meyer said. “Caitlin knows she is in the spotlight and wants to inspire and encourage young athletes to dream big and then put in the work to achieve those dreams just like she has.”

Clark’s fellow St. Francis parishioners took note of her spending time after games signing autographs and posing for pictures.

“She’s so good about recognizing kids after games,” said Annette Wanek.

Clark has elevated the visibility of women’s basketball overall, said Jim Wanek.

“Quite a few people are following her and commenting on her skills and ability,” he said.

Father Pins said parishioners are just happy that the Clark family is a part of the parish faith family.

“I think we’re all very proud of the young lady whose made a great name for herself and worked hard and is dedicated,” he said.