As if Caitlin Clark's ubiquity and popularity couldn't be more prominent in the state of Iowa, enter a new item that will be hitting Hy-Vee shelves in time for the holidays that is sure to catch the eye of the Clark fan in your life.

First things first, Clark and Hy-Vee has been a massive successful partnership. The two have been the driving forces behind a swath of promotional material and souvenirs, including Caitlin's Crunch Time Cereal, Caitlin Clark Panini Trading Cards, and a tie-in with Hy-Vee's HyChi earlier this year. This time, however, they're breaking the mold with limited edition basketballs, in conjunction with Clark's partnership with Wilson.

Photo Credit: Hy-Vee
Photo Credit: Hy-Vee
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Now, Clark's partnerships with both Hy-Vee and Wilson will see two new basketballs, designed by Clark herself, hitting stores just in time for the holiday season. Part of the "Inspire Series," the basketballs, one known as "the Tribute," the other, "the Dreamer," will exclusively be sold at Hy-Vee.

The balls will also be available in two sizes: size 3 and size 6. There's no word on a price-point yet, but I predict they'll be in the $50 range. Just a guess.

The Tribute ball pays homage to Clark's time with the University of Iowa women's basketball team, with its distinctive black and gold colors. The Dreamer ball, by contrast, is multicolored, and designed "to encourage current and future athletes to pursue their dreams," per a press release from Hy-Vee.

The size 3 basketballs will be in select Hy-Vee stores in November. Come December, select Hy-Vee and Strack & Van Til stores (in Indiana) will carry both size 3 and size 6 basketballs, while supplies last.

Matt Nickell, Vice President of Sports Marketing for Hy-Vee, expressed excitement about the continued partnership with the basketball phenom via the aforementioned press release:

We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Caitlin Clark, bringing the Tribute and Dreamer basketballs to our customers. Clark serves as an inspiring role model for young athletes, motivating them to pursue their dreams in sports. We look forward to offering these items throughout the holiday season and further promoting the impact Clark has had on youth and sports across the nation. - Matt Nickell, Vice President of Sports Marketing for Hy-Vee, per a press release

Clark is coming off a phenomenal rookie season in the WNBA. Besides generating millions of new viewers and ad dollars for the sport, Clark led the recently downtrodden Indiana Fever to their first playoff series since 2016. The Fever finished the season 20-20, with Clark winning WNBA Rookie of the Year and WNBA-All First Team, becoming only the fifth rookie to do so.

This offseason, not only will Clark enjoy extended rest after a whirlwind of both college and pro basketball for the start of 2024, but she'll also have to get acquainted with new Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White. White previously served as an assistant coach for the Fever from 2011 - 2014. She was the team's head coach from 2015 - 2016.

The Fever parted ways with head coach Christie Sides after two seasons.

Read more about the forthcoming release of limited edition Caitlin Clark basketballs at Hy-Vee stores on Hy-Vee's website.

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Gallery Credit: Johnny Marks

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