Caitlin Clark changed her name on her pink Iowa jersey: Why did she appear as Keough?

Honored a family friend.
Caitlin Clark’s No. 22 jersey is more than simply a piece of sports apparel; it represents achievement in women’s basketball. Fans at Carver-Hawkeye Stadium enthusiastically put “Clark” on their backs to signify her burgeoning status in the sport.

However, in a recent game versus Illinois, Clark’s jersey had a different name on the back. The No. 4 Hawkeyes won convincingly 101-85, and amidst a sea of black and yellow in the fans, pink grabbed center stage on the floor.

The pink outfits were part of the Play 4 Kay program, which aimed to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer research in honor of the late Coach Kay Yow.

In a heartfelt gesture, the names on the players’ jerseys were not their own. Clark wore the name “Keough” on her jersey in honor of family friend Dan Keough, who died from colorectal cancer in 2012. The whole Iowa team followed suit, with each player wearing a different name to honor loved ones during the breast cancer awareness game.

The tribute had more than just symbolic value for Clark. The senior athlete recorded her sixth triple-double of the season and the 16th of her career. Clark’s impressive performance against the Fighting Illini includes 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Who is Dan Keough?

Keough, the recognized name on Clark’s jersey, is the chairman and CEO of Holmes Murphy & Associates, an Iowa alum who has been following Clark’s basketball career since fourth grade.

When Clark initially honored Keough in 2022, he acknowledged his “honor” to have his name on her jersey.

“I’m honored to have @CaitlinClark22 wear my jersey at tonight’s game,” he added.

“Caitlin’s grit, spirit, competitive nature, and positivity that draw fans to her are the same characteristics those fighting cancer have to exhibit to compete with the disease.”