Caitlin Clark Surprises Des Moines Students with Selfies, School Supplies at Back-to-School Event

Friday was no ordinary day for 350 students in Des Moines, as they not only received essential school supplies but also got the surprise of a lifetime—meeting Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark. The event, held at North High School, brought smiles and excitement as the Iowa women’s basketball legend handed out backpacks filled with supplies, posed for selfies, and even shot hoops with the students.

The “Back to School Backpacks” initiative, spearheaded by the Caitlin Clark Foundation, aims to provide students with the necessary tools for success in the classroom. In addition to receiving supplies like notebooks, pens, and pencils donated by Hy-Vee, the students were given Nike backpacks and water bottles from Gatorade. What they didn’t know, however, was that Clark herself would be there in person to help kick off their school year in style.

A Surprise Visit

The event was a well-kept secret, with organizers unsure until the last minute if Clark could attend. “It was kept very, very secret because we weren’t sure until the last minute whether she could come… We didn’t want to disappoint anybody,” said Caitlin Clark Foundation President Mary Coffin. Fortunately, Clark made it, much to the delight of the students.

“She interacted with the kids and shot some basketballs with them,” Coffin added. “She loves it, she loves to be a part of it. It’s really her passion.”

The students gathered in North High School’s gymnasium with their parents, excited to receive their free supplies but completely unaware of the special guest. As Clark entered the room, excitement spread, and soon, students lined up to take photos with her and shoot hoops alongside the basketball phenom.

A Humble Champion Giving Back

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts expressed gratitude for Clark’s participation. “Caitlin Clark is not only one of the world’s most talented and best-known athletes, she is also a generous soul,” he said. “She knows that when you succeed, you should give a little something back to help others succeed, and that’s exactly what she did today.”

For Clark, the event was more than just giving away school supplies—it was about paying it forward. “I know how fortunate I was to have a strong education and access to tools that allowed me to be successful in the classroom,” Clark said in a press release. “School supplies are essential for every student’s learning and development, and the Caitlin Clark Foundation is grateful to our sponsors for their support in making this event possible.”

A Growing Partnership

Phil Roeder, Communications and Public Affairs Director for Des Moines Public Schools, said the event benefited 300 students from Des Moines Public Schools and 50 from local parochial schools, selected by caseworkers. “We were excited to welcome Caitlin to North High School today to meet students from across the district, and are honored to count the Caitlin Clark Foundation as a new DMPS partner in our important work of providing a quality education to the students of Des Moines,” Roberts said.

The district hopes this event marks the beginning of a long-term relationship with the Caitlin Clark Foundation. “It’s very rewarding and exciting for us to begin a relationship with the Caitlin Clark Foundation,” Roeder said. “From talking to her and her family members… we suspect that this is not a one-and-done event, but the start of what we think will be a long, good relationship for the kids in our community.”

The Caitlin Clark Foundation’s Mission

The Caitlin Clark Foundation was established to give back to the community by focusing on three key areas: education, nutrition, and sports. These are the very elements that Clark credits for her own success, both on and off the court. Through initiatives like educational programs, sports camps, food drives, and clothing and gear donations, the foundation aims to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Iowa’s youth.

“Clark is passionate about supporting young adults in their pursuit of excellence, and through her foundation, she hopes to make a lasting difference,” said Coffin. The non-profit has already been involved in several initiatives, such as the Stock Up Campaign with the Coralville Community Food Pantry and the Warm Up and Gear Up campaigns with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Iowa.

Friday’s event, however, was special. The combination of school supplies and Clark’s personal appearance left a lasting impression on the students, many of whom look up to her both as an athlete and as a role model.

Looking Ahead

As the Des Moines school district prepares for the upcoming school year, the partnership with the Caitlin Clark Foundation is seen as a beacon of hope for continued collaboration. “This could be the beginning of something bigger,” Roeder hinted. “We’re optimistic that Caitlin’s involvement with our schools won’t end here, and we’re excited to see what comes next.”

For the students who got the chance to meet Caitlin Clark, it was an unforgettable day—one where they not only received the tools they need for the school year but also got to meet an inspiring figure who believes in the power of giving back.