Syndication: HawkCentral - Source: Imagn“It’s like ur hugging me”: Caitlin Clark’s Former Teammate Pays Cozy Tribute In Fever Superstar’s Signature Hoodie. [photo: Imagn]

In late August, Nike unveiled the highly sought-after Caitlin Clark logo. The interlocking CC, Clark’s initials, was introduced via a press release and an ad. Although the logo was specifically designed for her shoes, it has appeared on t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, pants and other gear.

Monika Czinano, a former Clark teammate in Iowa for three seasons, received a hoodie from the Indiana Fever superstar. Czinano went on Instagram to send the two-time WNBA All-Star a message:

“Thanks @caitlinclark22 !! It’s like ur hugging me.”

Monika Czinano thanks former Iowa teammate Cailtin Clark after receiving a Nike hoodie from the WNBA superstar on Wednesday. [photo: @monika_czinano/IG]Monika Czinano thanks former Iowa teammate Cailtin Clark after receiving a Nike hoodie from the WNBA superstar on Wednesday. [photo: @monika_czinano/IG]

The Hawkeyes’ former star forward/center had a white version of Caitlin Clark’s hoodies. Right in the center of the apparel was the unmistakable all-black CC logo. The only other print found on the gear is Nike’s Swoosh in one of the sleeves.

Clark and Czinano were teammates from 2020-21 to 2022-23 at Iowa. Known as “The Law Firm,” they gave the Hawkeyes one of the best inside-out combinations. The two led the school to the 2023 NCAA championship game, where they lost 102-85 to LSU.

Monika Czinano joined the WNBA in 2023 but could not make her mark. The LA Sparks waived her in May that year. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark became the biggest draw in women’s basketball and one of its most sought-after endorsers.

Monika Czinano and Caitlin Clark lost to LSU in final game as Iowa teammates

The last time Monika Czinano and Caitlin Clark played together, they suffered a 102-85 loss to the Angel Reese-led LSU Tigers. Czinano, who spent most of her time guarding Reese, finished with 13 points, six rebounds, three steals and one block. She fouled out in the fourth quarter as the Tigers cruised to a win.

Clark, the focus of LSU’s double teams, tallied 30 points, eight assists and two rebounds but committed six turnovers. Clark shot 9-for-22, including 8-for-19. Kate Martin, another close friend of both, contributed 13 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal.

In what was then the most-watched NCAA game, Clark and Czinano couldn’t lead the Hawkeyes to the promised land. Only Clark and Martin returned for their final years to help Iowa return to the championship game in 2024.