“Had Me About to Go Thru a Brick Wall”: Caitlin Clark Reacts as Iowa Bus Driver Delivers Spirited March Madness Speech to Hawkeyes
March Madness is known for its dramatic games, intense competition, and unforgettable moments, but sometimes the most inspiring events happen off the court. For Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes, one such moment occurred on the team bus, where their bus driver delivered a passionate and spirited speech that left a lasting impact on the players, including Clark herself.
The story began after Iowa’s victory in one of their early March Madness matchups. As the team boarded the bus, preparing for their next challenge, they were met with an unexpected source of motivation: their bus driver. With the energy of a coach and the enthusiasm of a fan, the bus driver delivered a rousing speech that got the entire team fired up. The emotional and high-energy speech had such an effect on Clark that she took to social media to express how deeply it resonated with her.
Clark, the standout guard and one of the biggest stars in women’s college basketball, shared her reaction with fans, saying the speech “had me about to go thru a brick wall.” Her comment quickly went viral, with many fans and analysts chiming in to express their amusement and admiration for the unlikely source of motivation. Clark’s words highlighted the power of passion and how sometimes, it takes the most unexpected moments to ignite the fire within a team.
The bus driver’s speech, while not officially part of the Hawkeyes’ coaching staff, seemed to embody the spirit of the Iowa team—determined, driven, and ready to fight for victory. The heartfelt words were said to center around the pride of wearing the Iowa jersey and the importance of representing their school and fans with integrity, toughness, and perseverance. As Clark and her teammates listened, they were reminded of the stakes of March Madness: the opportunity to leave everything on the court and make a statement.
It’s no surprise that Clark, known for her fierce competitive spirit, was so moved by the impassioned speech. The 2023 NCAA Player of the Year is someone who thrives on motivation, and the bus driver’s unrelenting energy clearly struck a chord. For Clark, who has already achieved so much in her career, the motivation to push even harder is ever-present, and the team’s support and collective drive to achieve greatness is a big part of that.
The speech also served as a reminder of the unity and camaraderie that defines Iowa basketball. In March Madness, every player, coach, and staff member plays a role in the team’s success. From the star player like Clark to the unsung heroes like the bus driver, the collective effort is what drives the team forward. That’s what makes moments like this so special—the unexpected source of inspiration can come from anyone, and it’s often the smallest sparks that light the biggest fires.
The reaction from fans and players alike has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the bus driver’s infectious enthusiasm and the sense of team unity it fostered. Caitlin Clark’s reaction, in particular, resonated with fans, highlighting the genuine bond between players, coaches, and staff members, as well as the power of inspiration in sports.
As Iowa continues its March Madness journey, the speech from the bus driver serves as a reminder of the motivation that can come from even the most unlikely places. For Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes, the road to a national championship is far from over, but the energy and determination sparked by that unforgettable moment on the team bus will likely remain with them as they pursue their dreams. Whether it’s from a coach, a teammate, or even a bus driver, sometimes the words that move us the most come when we least expect them.
