Caitlin Clark’s Ex-Teammate Announces Major Family Update with Heartwarming 2-Word Message

For those who watched the Iowa Hawkeyes break records over the last few seasons, you know that Gabbie Marshall was more than just Clark’s backcourt buddy—she was the calm in the storm, the defensive anchor, and yes, the karaoke hype queen. She might also have been one of the first teammates to put Caitlin Clark into such a well-rounded perspective that it still holds true.

Someone who hates losing and wants to win each time and will give acting-refs (managers) a hard time even during practices–that’s CC. So, Marshall had it down pretty well. And while she’s retired, nothing’s really changed between them. Well, they spent four full years at Iowa together—of course, that kind of bond sticks. Plus, they’re both total golf nerds, which only adds to the equation.

Now, Gabbie may have stepped away from the game, but what she left behind is hard to miss. She wasn’t just good—she was solid in every way. A leader, a fighter, someone who didn’t need to shout to get the job done. During Iowa’s electric 2022–2023 season, when the Hawkeyes made that unforgettable run to the NCAA Championship game, Gabbie was right there—diving for loose balls, hitting big shots when they mattered, and bringing a level of calm (sometimes humor) that grounded the whole team.

Having not gone off the grid, don’t be surprised if you find her cheering louder than all the fans combined at Caitlin’s game. Her favorite moment from the preseason game against Brazil is honestly a full-circle moment. More on that later, because this whole big sis energy is shining right now in Louisville, Kentucky.

Just recently, Marshall was spotted cheering on her younger sister at what looked like a pretty major sports moment. She shared a photo of the medal-winning crew on her Instagram story with a simple caption—“Proud Sis.” Details were scarce, but the joy was clear. Whatever the event was, Gabbie made sure she was there, front row, phone in hand. It’s no shocker, really, because both of Gabbie’s parents played college ball, and every sibling seems to be cut from the same athletic cloth. Whether her sister’s planning to follow Gabbie’s path to college hoops is still up in the air, but one thing’s for sure—she’s got the loudest fan club already behind her.

Again, we could not have had a better moment of just Gabbie being Gabbie. And when it comes to Clark and Marshall, you know what melts our hearts the most? Just quickly go back to that Brazil game we were talking about earlier. It was the CHA, close to every Iowan’s heart and Gabbie was courtside too wearing Clark’s jersey. You might think that the nothing could have matched up to CC’s 36-foot, 3-pointer from the logo. Well, you are right and wrong.

Because, yes, Clark broke her own record but do you know who she set it with? Gabbie Marshall! She had the assist on that earlier record-breaking, 33-foot bomb. So, just imagine how Marshall must have felt sitting there watching it all repeat. The pride, the nostalgia, the urge to jump onto the court and give a high-five. No wonder it was her favorite moment. And her on-court partnership with Clark doesn’t end there. She also had the assist on Clark’s 3000 point.

So, as Gabbie Marshall said in her retirement post: Once a Hawk always a Hawk.

What is Gabbie Marshal doing post-retirement?

After graduating from the University of Iowa, Gabbie Marshall made a deliberate and deeply personal decision: to trade in her basketball shoes for textbooks and clinical rotations. Now enrolled in a Master’s program in Occupational Therapy at the University of North Carolina, Marshall has stepped into a new chapter, one that channels her discipline and drive into helping others regain independence and quality of life.

Occupational therapy, a field centered on aiding individuals in developing, recovering, or adapting the skills needed for daily living, reflects Gabbie’s long-standing desire to make a tangible difference. It’s a path grounded in empathy and connection—qualities that have always defined her, even during her years on the hardwood.

She has been using her platform to extend support and voice to people. For instance, she posted an Instagram video last August, announcing a giveaway contest with Cancer Brand.

“Hey guys!! I’ll be picking 3 people for a little surprise, and I’d love for you to be part of it. Simply tag me and @cancerbrand_ in your story/post when you order or wear your shirt. The winners will be announced on Monday, so until then remember, WeCancervive together!,” Marshall wrote in the caption.

She bgean her collaboration with the brand last year itself, hoping to raise awareness about cancer and help those battling it. This cause is also personal for her, as her grandmother’s been affected by cancer, too. It returned last year unexpectedly and she decided to bring in some vibes, surprising her by wearing “WeCancervie” T-shirt. It’s unclear how her grandmother’s health is faring right now, but she has not stepped away from giving surprises, making even Clark go awww. 

Busy with her academics, when Marshall found a window to fly out to Louisville, she did not miss out on the chance. She decided to surprise her grandmother and like a proper blogger, told her fans to keep watching the video for her reaction. Clark definitely did watch it till the end, as she commented, “So cute aw”.

So, yes, Clark and Marshall might not be teammates now, might not even be playing in the sport together, but their bond is something much more than that. And you can expect to come across such wholesome anecdotes from time to time.

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