What High School Did Caitlin Clark Attend? Exploring Her Journey at Dowling Catholic

Picture this: a young girl from Iowa steps onto a high school basketball court, dazzling fans with her jaw-dropping skills, breaking records, and setting the stage for a career that would captivate the sports world. That’s Caitlin Clark—a name that now echoes through women’s basketball as a symbol of excellence. But where did this incredible journey begin? If you’re asking yourself, what high school did Caitlin Clark attend?, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. Caitlin Clark attended Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, the foundational ground where she transformed into the superstar we know today. In this deep dive, we’ll explore her high school years, her standout achievements, and how Dowling Catholic became the ideal launchpad for her career. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan, a curious reader, or a student athlete chasing dreams, this article’s got you covered. Let’s jump in!

Why Caitlin Clark’s High School Matters

Caitlin Clark didn’t become a household name overnight—it was a steady climb fueled by talent and dedication. Her time at Dowling Catholic High School was the bedrock of her record-shattering college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes and her current WNBA stardom with the Indiana Fever. Knowing what high school Caitlin Clark attended sheds light on the environment, coaching, and support system that shaped her skills. From her first varsity game to her mind-blowing senior season stats, Dowling Catholic wasn’t just a school—it was where Caitlin evolved into a legend.

Who Is Caitlin Clark?

Before we dig into her high school days, let’s set the scene. Born on January 22, 2002, in West Des Moines, Iowa, Caitlin Clark grew up in a sports-loving family. Her father, Brent, played college basketball and baseball, her brother Blake won state football titles at Dowling Catholic, and her grandfather coached football there too. By middle school, Caitlin was already turning heads, often dominating on boys’ teams due to her advanced skills, as highlighted in this AP News story. But it was at Dowling Catholic where her star truly began to rise.

Dowling Catholic High School: The Starting Line

Nestled in West Des Moines, Iowa, Dowling Catholic High School is a private Catholic institution with a storied legacy. Founded in 1972, it’s earned recognition as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and is celebrated for its academic rigor and athletic prowess. With roughly 1,391 students and a 14:1 student-teacher ratio, as reported by Niche, Dowling fosters a close-knit community rooted in faith and achievement. For Caitlin, it was the perfect place to sharpen her game.

A Basketball Powerhouse

Under head coach Kristin Meyer, Dowling Catholic’s girls’ basketball program gave Caitlin top-tier coaching and a competitive stage. Starting varsity as a freshman, she turned the team into a spectacle over four years. Her games drew huge crowds, college scouts, and even national buzz—pretty remarkable for a high school athlete, don’t you think?

Caitlin Clark’s High School Basketball Journey

Let’s break down Caitlin’s high school basketball career, season by season. Each year brought fresh milestones, electrifying performances, and a growing reputation as one of Iowa’s finest.

Freshman Year (2017-2018): A Star Is Born

Caitlin burst onto the scene as a freshman, averaging 15.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. She led Dowling Catholic to a 19–5 record and a spot in the Class 5A state tournament, though they bowed out in the first round to Valley High School. Coaches and fans couldn’t stop raving about her court vision and fearless style—her talent was undeniable from day one.

Sophomore Year (2018-2019): Rising to Prominence

By her sophomore year, Caitlin was a powerhouse. She averaged 27.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, landing second in state scoring. Named first-team Class 5A All-State by the Iowa Preps Sports Writers Association and Central Iowa Metro League Player of the Year by The Des Moines Register, she guided Dowling to a 20–4 record and the Class 5A quarterfinals. Off-season, she led the All Iowa Attack to a Nike Elite Youth Basketball League title, proving her skills stretched beyond high school.

Junior Year (2019-2020): Record-Breaking Moments

Her junior year was nothing short of magical. Caitlin dropped 60 points against Mason City High School, sinking 13 three-pointers—a state record and the second-highest single-game total in Iowa girls’ basketball history. She also set a Class 5A state tournament record with 42 points in a triple-overtime win over Waukee High School. Averaging 32.6 points per game, she topped the state in scoring, earned the Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year award, and led Dowling to a 17–8 record and the semifinals.

Senior Year (2020-2021): A Legendary Finish

Caitlin’s senior year sealed her legacy. Averaging 33.4 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.7 steals per game, she again led Iowa in scoring. Despite a 19–4 season ending with an upset loss to Sioux City East in the regional final, she wrapped up her high school career with 2,547 points (fourth in Iowa history) and 283 three-pointers (sixth all-time). Awards piled up: Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year, Iowa Miss Basketball, and a McDonald’s All-American nod (canceled due to COVID-19). Her jersey retirement at Dowling Catholic was a fitting tribute.

Career Stats Snapshot

Here’s a quick overview of Caitlin’s high school stats:

Beyond Basketball: A Well-Rounded Athlete

Caitlin wasn’t a one-trick pony. She played varsity soccer her first two years, scoring 23 goals as a freshman and earning Class 3A All-Iowa honors from The Des Moines Register. Growing up, she also tried volleyball, tennis, and golf. But basketball? That’s where her passion—and destiny—took root.

The Dowling Catholic Impact

Caitlin didn’t just play at Dowling Catholic—she redefined it. Her games were must-see events, pulling in massive crowds and Division I scouts from schools like Notre Dame and UCLA, as noted in this Des Moines Register piece. Coach Kristin Meyer told We Are Iowa that seeing Caitlin thrive at Iowa was a thrill, a testament to her lasting influence. Her legacy still inspires Dowling’s current athletes, as seen in this KCRG video.

A Personal Touch

I’ve got a soft spot for high school hoops—watching grainy highlight reels as a kid, dreaming of players like Caitlin. Her story resonates: small-town roots, big ambitions, and a relentless drive. Ever wonder what it’s like to be that talented, that young? Caitlin lived it, and Dowling Catholic was her proving ground.

From Dowling to the Big Leagues

In 2019, Caitlin committed to the University of Iowa, drawn to its fast-paced style and Coach Lisa Bluder’s expertise, as detailed on Iowa Hawkeyes Athletics. At Iowa, she smashed records, finishing as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer with 3,951 points. Now, as the WNBA’s No. 1 pick in 2024, she’s driving the “Caitlin Clark effect,” boosting women’s basketball’s spotlight (Wikipedia). It all circles back to her days at Dowling Catholic.

Conclusion: Caitlin Clark’s High School Legacy

So, what high school did Caitlin Clark attend? Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, was where she sharpened her skills, shattered records, and built a legacy that endures. From 60-point outbursts to her retired jersey, Caitlin’s time there showcased her talent and grit. Her journey proves that with the right support—family, coaches, community—greatness is within reach. Curious about her college or pro career? Check out her story on USA Basketball or share your thoughts below. What’s your biggest takeaway from Caitlin’s high school days? Let’s keep the conversation alive!