WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – For Caitlin Clark, March 2025 has been a whirlwind. From leading Iowa in a dramatic NCAA Tournament run to being the face of college basketball across the nation, the All-American superstar has been praised for her on-court brilliance and off-court poise. But nothing prepared her fans—or her hometown—for what happened during a surprise visit to her alma mater, Dowling Catholic High School.
What was meant to be a low-key stop to see former teachers and support staff turned into a moment that brought the entire community to tears.
A Quiet Legend Still Sweeping the Halls
While walking through the polished halls of Dowling Catholic, Clark paused near the gymnasium she once dominated as a high school phenom. But what caught her attention wasn’t the basketball banners hanging above—it was the familiar figure mopping the floor beneath them.
“Is that… Mr. Russell?” she reportedly whispered to her former assistant coach.
Indeed, it was.
Eighty-year-old James Russell, the longtime school janitor who had worked at Dowling Catholic for over six decades, was still there, quietly going about his duties with the same pride and humility he had the day Clark first met him as a freshman.
“I couldn’t believe he was still working,” Clark said in an emotional interview later that day. “He’s the kindest man I’ve ever met. Always made us laugh. Always stayed late to lock up after games. He deserves the world.”
And in true Caitlin Clark fashion—she meant it.
Her Next Move Leaves Staff and Students Speechless
What happened next stunned everyone.
Clark immediately asked to speak with the school’s principal and financial coordinator. According to several sources, she quietly arranged to fund a full retirement package for Mr. Russell—complete with healthcare coverage, a brand-new Ford truck (his had broken down three winters ago), and a $50,000 bonus to help him finally take the fishing trip to Montana he had spoken of for years but never taken.
“She didn’t want attention for it,” said Principal Theresa Madden. “But how could we not celebrate such a gesture? It’s not just about money. It’s about gratitude. Caitlin didn’t forget the people who helped shape her.”
A Viral Moment from a Humble Hero
The moment Mr. Russell was surprised with his retirement package was captured in a tear-jerking video posted to the school’s Instagram page. In the footage, the elderly janitor stands stunned, trembling as Clark hugs him tightly and whispers, “You’ve always taken care of us. Now it’s our turn.”
Within hours, the video had been shared by ESPN, Bleacher Report, and dozens of celebrities. NBA legends like Magic Johnson and Dwyane Wade reposted the video, praising Clark’s character and reminding the world that true greatness extends far beyond the hardwood.
“Caitlin Clark has the heart of a champion—on and off the court,” Magic Johnson wrote. “This is what leadership looks like.”
Clark’s gesture sparked conversations around the country about underappreciated school staff and elderly workers who continue to work past retirement age out of necessity.
Soon after the story broke, Clark’s agent revealed that she had committed to donating part of her upcoming NIL earnings to a scholarship fund for support staff children in Iowa public schools.
“She wants to keep this going,” the agent said. “To Caitlin, Mr. Russell represents countless unsung heroes across the country.”
Mr. Russell’s Reaction: “I Never Expected This”
For his part, James Russell was overwhelmed.
“I never expected this,” he told a local news outlet through tears. “I’ve watched Caitlin grow from a little girl with a big dream to the most incredible young woman. I thought she’d forget about this old janitor. But she didn’t. That means more to me than I can say.”
He ended the interview by showing off a photo of him and Clark from 2018. “Back then, I told her she was going to change the world. Guess I was right.”
Caitlin Clark has made her mark in sports history, but perhaps her most powerful legacy is being written not through points scored, but through lives touched. In a world hungry for role models, she didn’t just honor a janitor—she elevated an entire generation’s understanding of what it means to be human.
As for Mr. Russell, he’ll finally take that fishing trip this summer. And thanks to one extraordinary former student, he’ll do it not out of obligation—but in peace, dignity, and well-deserved joy.
WNBA legend brushes off Caitlin Clark complaints as Angel Reese sends ‘personal’ message
The WNBA Draft is just two weeks away, and with the eligibility deadline looming, college basketball stars are beginning to make decisions on their future.
There are plenty of WNBA headlines this week as March Madness continues (Image: Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
With the WNBA season opener just under 50 days away and the Draft approaching in a fortnight, excitement is mounting among fans.
As March Madness advances to the Final Four this week, numerous college basketball stars are mulling over their futures as they face the WNBA Draft eligibility deadline. Flau’Jae Johnson remains undecided about whether she will join the Draft, after LSU’s defeat with a score of 72-65 at the Elite Eight phase to UCLA.
After the disappointing playoff exit for the Tigers, star player Johnson is still weighing up her options regarding the upcoming WNBA Draft. Despite the loss, there’s speculation about whether she’ll declare herself draft-eligible and possibly line up with former college standouts Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese – who have been making headlines themselves lately.
Here we’ve got all the latest news from the WNBA, including a sports icon’s empowering statements directed at Clark, and a bold jab Reese took at a past college rival.
Flau’Jae Johnson’s WNBA destiny
After the heartbreak against the Bruins on Sunday evening, Johnson’s next steps toward the WNBA Draft are still uncertain. The sting of the defeat seems to have left decisions hanging in the balance for her.
When questioned about any news regarding her WNBA intentions, Johnson simply said: “I don’t know.” Due to the athlete turning 22 years old in November, she is currently eligible to enter this year’s Draft – despite not having completed a full four college seasons.
Johnson is also geared up for the new Unrivaled League after her collegiate career. Upon being asked about the factors weighing on her WNBA decision, the 21-year-old added: “Everything. Got to talk to Coach Mulkey, talk to my family. I don’t know.”
Flau’Jae Johnson has one big decision to make regarding the WNBA (Image: Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Regarding the play-off defeat, Johnson took much of the blame for the LSU loss, admitting she was “too passive” initially. She said: “I mean, I did leave it all on the court, but it was too late, and it just doesn’t matter.
“Should have did it earlier. Should have executed better. I feel like it’s all on me. I can take that because I know I went to another level, and I gave more than I thought I had. I’ve got to be more in attack mode. That’s my fault. Being too passive, I’m done with that.”
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey spoke about Johnson’s influence on the match and claimed the young star shouldn’t take any blame for the loss. She said: “The game was lost in the second quarter. That’s where the game was lost.
“We didn’t make the most of [UCLA center Lauren] Betts being sidelined. And she reckons she was a big reason for not meeting her own high expectations in that critical second quarter.”
WNBA legend brushes off Caitlin Clark complaints
WNBA icon Lisa Leslie has heaped praise on Clark, highlighting her humility and impact on the sport. In an interview with USA Today, Leslie noted that Clark has brought a fresh wave of attention to the WNBA, and emphasized that this increased exposure benefits all players.
Caitlin Clark has been praised by a WNBA icon (Image: David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
The 52-year-old said: “I think we have to understand that when one player eats, we’re all eating and we all get more opportunities. It just opens it up for everyone else.”
Leslie also commended Clark’s willingness to share the spotlight, adding: “I love that she’s not the player that makes it all about her. She’s given love and homage to the players that have come before her. She shares the wealth with her teammates and she doesn’t have to do that.
“We can’t deny what Caitlin Clark has done for the women’s game. Have we ever had teams that need larger arenas?
“Are we gonna get upset about 5, 6, 10 games less on TV? We have access to these games now in a way that we’d never had before!”
Breanna Stewart’s New York Liberty announcement
The New York Liberty are riding high after their first-ever WNBA championship win, and they’ve just dropped some thrilling news for fans: a major offseason signing. Following an impressive 32-8 record in 2024, the Liberty dominated the WNBA Finals against the Minnesota Lynx, winning the series 3-2 and claiming their maiden championship title.
Breanna Stewart has signed a new deal with New York Liberty (Image: Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images)
Breanna Stewart was instrumental in this championship run, racking up impressive stats over the season which included an average of 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. And the excitement doesn’t stop there – the Liberty just announced that Stewart will be back in New York for the 2025 season.
The team’s social media account broke the news on X, as the announcement read: “The reigning WNBA Champion NY Liberty have re-signed 3x WNBA Champion, 3x Olympic gold medalist, 2x@WNBA MVP, 2x WNBA Finals MVP, 6x All-WNBA First Team, 6x WNBA All-Star, 6x All-Defensive Team selection, W25 honoree, and the fastest 5000-point scorer in league history, Breanna Stewart.
“Glad to have ya back!”
General manager Jonathan Kolb echoed the team’s enthusiasm about Stewart’s return as he said: “Bringing Stewie back to the Liberty was our top priority this offseason.
“Her impact on and off the court is immeasurable — she’s not only one of the best and most accomplished players in the world, but a leader whose relentless drive is foundational to the standard we continue to build upon in New York.”
Angel Reese has aimed a dig at a former NCAA rival (Image: Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Angel Reese’s powerful message to ex-NCAA rival
Before their March Madness dreams ended, LSU celebrated a significant win over NC State with a score of 80-73 – and LSU alumni Angel Reese didn’t hold back her feelings about the triumph.
Following their victory against the Wolfpack, Reese voiced her sentiments clearly on social media as she said: “Oh and that win was personal. THANK YA.” Reese added: “LET’S DANCE.”
The current Chicago Sky player seems to carry a grudge against the Wolfpack, stemming from a controversial event during the previous NCAA season. During a matchup between NC State and Notre Dame, Wolfpack head coach Wes Moore was snapped alongside a fan holding a sign that read: “Angel Reese Stinks.”
Though Reese didn’t specifically mention this incident in her posts, fans have been buzzing with speculation that her comments were indeed a jab at Moore following her old team’s win.
Fans clearly appreciated Reese’s cryptic posts, as one said: “Packed them b—— up.” Another added: “The words that came out of my mouth were definitely not godly after this win. We never forget the haters.”
A third noted: “They never asked Wes Moore about that sign or fan? wonder why? Bye NC State.” However, Reese’s excitement for LSU was short-lived as UCLA ended their playoff run at the weekend.
