Gov. Kim Reynolds declares today as Iowa Hawkeyes Women's Basketball Appreciation Day

Hawkeyes women's basketball now has a day dedicated to honoring the work of the team that made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament's championship game.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds declared Monday, April 22, 2024, as Iowa Hawkeyes Women's Basketball Appreciation Day in the state. Reynolds made the announcement via a video on social media Monday morning.

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"They captivated fans nationwide, from lifelong Hawkeyes to Hollywood celebrities," Reynolds said in the video. "Their star power was undeniable and they demonstrated the very best of our state in every way."

This is the second consecutive year Iowa's women's team won the Big Ten tournament and became finalists in the NCAA Tournament. The Hawkeyes fell short of the title this season in the final game against South Carolina.

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Feb. 22 was also dedicated as Caitlin Clark Day in Iowa this year after she broke the NCAA women's scoring record. Reynolds congratulated the coaching staff and team for all their work this year.

"Caitlin, Kate, Gabbie, Hannah, Molly, Taylor, Sydney, Kylie, Kennise, Jayda, AJ, Ava, Sharon, and Addison, you transformed women’s basketball and inspired young girls and boys to dream big, work hard, and believe that they can do anything," Reynolds said. "Most importantly, you showed all of us what a true champion is."

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.