{"id":549849,"date":"2026-03-28T05:37:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T05:37:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/549849\/"},"modified":"2026-03-28T05:37:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T05:37:08","slug":"caitlin-clark-sends-message-to-iowa-guard-after-transfer-portal-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/549849\/","title":{"rendered":"Caitlin Clark Sends Message to Iowa Guard After Transfer Portal Decision"},"content":{"rendered":"

Caitlin Clark<\/a> officially returned to the court in March 2026 after an eight-month layoff by making her senior national team debut at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan.<\/p>\n

She led Team USA to a perfect 5-0 run, averaging 11.6 points and a tournament-best 6.4 assists per game. For her efforts, she was crowned the tournament MVP and named to the All-Star Five.<\/p>\n

Afterwards, the Fever’s guard went viral for her guest appearance as a credentialed photographer at the Indiana Pacers<\/a> vs. Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> game on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Wearing a media vest and a professional Sony camera, she spent the first half on the baseline. She jokingly called her massive telephoto lens a \u201cBig Daddy lens\u201d before turning her attention back to Iowa City on Friday.<\/p>\n

\"Indiana<\/p>\n

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

(Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Kennise Johnson, a junior guard, announced her decision to enter the transfer portal on Instagram, following a three-year career marked by a significant injury. Johnson arrived in Iowa Hawkeyes in 2023 but struggled to find a consistent role after tearing her ACL at the end of her freshman year.<\/p>\n

Her final decision came just days after Iowa\u2019s season ended in a 75-83 double-overtime loss to the Virginia Cavaliers<\/a> in the March Madness second round. In her farewell note, Johnson thanked her coaches and teammates before officially signing off from the program.<\/p>\n

“Sometimes, growth requires change,” Johnson wrote<\/a>. “As much as I love this team and everything it stands for, I know it’s time for me to step out of the nest and find an opportunity that better fits me and my journey. With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal.”<\/p>\n

In the comments, Clark respected Johnson’s decision and penned, “Dawg. Proud of you \ud83e\udd0d.”<\/p>\n

Though Iowa lists Johnson as a junior, she could have two years of eligibility left. Since she missed the 2024-25 season entirely with an ACL injury, she is expected to receive a medical redshirt.<\/p>\n

The transfer portal officially opens on April 6. With her multiple seasons of eligibility remaining, Johnson should see significant interest from mid-major programs looking for an experienced guard to lead their backcourt.<\/p>\n

Related: Indiana Fever Development Emerges Because of Caitlin Clark<\/a><\/p>\n

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports<\/a> on Mar 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA<\/a> section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n