WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – March 2025 has been an eventful month for Caitlin Clark. After leading Iowa through an exhilarating NCAA Tournament, she has emerged as a prominent figure in college basketball nationwide, earning accolades for her exceptional performance on the court and her composure off it. However, neither her supporters nor her hometown could have anticipated the emotional impact of her surprise visit to Dowling Catholic High School, her former school.
What was intended to be a simple visit to reconnect with former teachers and staff transformed into a poignant moment that moved the entire community to tears.
A Humble Icon Still Walking the Halls
As Clark walked through the gleaming corridors of Dowling Catholic, she paused near the gymnasium where she had once excelled as a high school star. However, it was not the basketball banners that captured her attention; it was the sight of a familiar figure diligently mopping the floor below.
“Is that… Mr. Russell?” she reportedly murmured to her former assistant coach.
Indeed, it was.
Eighty-year-old James Russell, the dedicated janitor who had served Dowling Catholic for over sixty years, was still present, performing his duties with the same pride and humility he had shown since Clark first met him as a freshman.
“I couldn’t believe he was still working,” Clark shared in a heartfelt interview later that day. “He’s the kindest man I’ve ever known. He always made us laugh and stayed late to secure the building after games. He truly deserves the best.”
And in true Caitlin Clark style, she meant every word.
Her Next Move Leaves Staff and Students in Awe
What transpired next left everyone in disbelief.
Clark promptly requested a meeting with the school’s principal and financial coordinator. According to multiple sources, she discreetly arranged to provide Mr. Russell with a comprehensive retirement package, which included healthcare benefits, a brand-new Ford truck (replacing the one that had broken down three winters prior), and a $50,000 bonus to finally fulfill his long-held dream of taking a fishing trip to Montana.
“She didn’t seek any recognition for this act,”
A Memorable Moment Featuring a Modest Hero
The touching moment when Mr. Russell received his retirement package was recorded in a heartfelt video shared on the school’s Instagram account. In the clip, the elderly janitor appears astonished, visibly shaking as Clark embraces him and softly says, “You’ve always looked after us. Now it’s our turn to care for you.”
Within hours, the video went viral, garnering attention from ESPN, Bleacher Report, and numerous celebrities. NBA icons such as Magic Johnson and Dwyane Wade shared the video, commending Clark’s character and highlighting that true greatness transcends the basketball court.
“Caitlin Clark embodies the spirit of a champion—both on and off the court,” Magic Johnson remarked. “This exemplifies what true leadership is.”
Clark’s act of kindness ignited discussions nationwide about the often-overlooked school staff and older workers who continue to labor past retirement age out of necessity.
Shortly after the story gained traction, Clark’s agent announced that she had pledged to donate a portion of her forthcoming NIL earnings to a scholarship fund for the children of support staff in Iowa public schools.
“She is determined to continue this initiative,” the agent stated. “To Caitlin, Mr. Russell symbolizes countless unsung heroes throughout the nation.”
Mr. Russell’s Response: “I Never Saw This Coming”
In response, James Russell was deeply moved.
“I never saw this coming,” he expressed to a local news outlet, tears in his eyes. “I’ve watched Caitlin evolve from a young girl with big dreams into an extraordinary young woman. I thought she would forget about this old janitor, but she didn’t. That means more to me than I can articulate.”
He concluded the interview by displaying a photo of himself with Clark from 2018. “Back then, I told her she was destined to change the world. I guess I was right.”
Caitlin Clark has etched her name in the annals of sports history, but perhaps her most significant legacy is being crafted not through the points she scores, but through the lives she impacts. In a society yearning for role models, she not only honored a janitor—she uplifted an entire generation.
Mr. Russell is set to embark on his long-awaited fishing trip this summer. Thanks to an exceptional former student, he will approach this experience not out of obligation, but with a sense of peace, dignity, and well-deserved happiness.
As the WNBA Draft approaches in just two weeks, college basketball stars are starting to make pivotal decisions regarding their futures, with the eligibility deadline fast approaching. This week is filled with significant WNBA news as March Madness progresses.
With less than 50 days until the WNBA season opener and the Draft just around the corner, anticipation is building among fans. As March Madness reaches the Final Four stage, many college basketball players are contemplating their next steps in light of the WNBA Draft eligibility deadline. Flau’Jae Johnson remains undecided about entering the Draft following LSU’s 72-65 loss to UCLA in the Elite Eight.
In the wake of the Tigers’ disappointing playoff exit, star player Johnson is still evaluating her options for the upcoming WNBA Draft. Despite the setback, there is speculation regarding her potential declaration for the Draft, which could see her join former college stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who have also been in the spotlight recently.
We have gathered the latest updates from the WNBA, including empowering remarks from a sports icon directed at Clark, as well as a pointed comment from Reese aimed at a former college rival.
Flau’Jae Johnson’s future in the WNBA remains uncertain following the emotional loss to the Bruins on Sunday evening. The impact of the defeat appears to have left her decision-making in limbo.
When asked about her intentions regarding the WNBA, Johnson responded simply, “I don’t know.” As she will turn 22 in November, she is eligible to enter this year’s Draft, even though she has not completed a full four years of college basketball.
