Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark erupted with excitement on social media Sunday after her former Iowa Hawkeyes teammate Gabbie Marshall announced her engagement to longtime boyfriend Spencer Touro, highlighting the enduring bond among the Iowa women's basketball sisterhood.

After transforming college basketball, Caitlin Clark is predicted to have the same effect on the WNBA
AFP

Marshall, 25, shared the joyful news on Instagram with a series of photos showing off her engagement ring and the couple's new furry companion. "2-18-26 WE'RE ENGAGED!! 💍 So excited for this next chapter of our lives! And we've got a new friend to join us for the ride 🐶," she captioned the post, dated February 18, 2026.

Clark, the WNBA's rising superstar and former NCAA all-time leading scorer, wasted no time flooding the comments with her signature high-energy support. She posted two enthusiastic messages: "LETSSSSS RAGEEEE💕💕💕💕💕💕" followed by "CONGRATS SISTA." The reactions quickly went viral, with fans and media outlets sharing screenshots and clips praising Clark's genuine hype for her college teammate.

The outburst reflects the close friendship Clark and Marshall built during their four years together at Iowa from 2020 to 2024. Marshall, a defensive standout and captain in her senior year, played a key role in the Hawkeyes' back-to-back national championship game appearances in 2023 and 2024. While Clark dominated headlines with her scoring records and assists, Marshall provided leadership, perimeter defense and veteran presence that helped elevate the program.

Their paths diverged after college — Clark was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Fever, while Marshall pursued opportunities outside professional basketball — but the connection remained strong. Marshall has attended Clark's games, and the two frequently interact on social media, showing support for each other's milestones.

Other former Hawkeyes joined the celebration. Kate Martin, now with the Las Vegas Aces, commented "So happppyyy I love you guys," while Sydney Affolter added heartfelt messages of love and congratulations. The Iowa sisterhood's response underscored the lasting camaraderie forged through shared successes, including historic runs and record-breaking seasons.

Marshall's announcement comes amid a busy time for former Iowa players. Clark is in her second WNBA season with the Fever, where she continues to break records and draw massive crowds. The engagement news adds a personal highlight for the group, with Marshall noting the couple's excitement for the future, including their new dog joining the family.

Fans flooded Marshall's post with well-wishes, and Clark's comments amplified the visibility. Media outlets like Sportskeeda, EssentiallySports and Athlon Sports covered the moment, calling it a "priceless reaction" and evidence of the unbreakable Iowa bond. Videos compiling Clark's hype and teammate responses circulated on YouTube and X, garnering thousands of views.

The story resonates beyond basketball, illustrating how college sports can create lifelong friendships. Clark, often in the spotlight for her on-court dominance, shows her off-court personality through genuine support for those close to her. Marshall's engagement marks a joyful chapter, with plans reportedly including a move to Indianapolis after Touro's job opportunity — conveniently aligning with Clark's home base.

As the WNBA offseason continues, these personal milestones keep the Iowa legacy alive. Clark's enthusiastic cheers serve as a reminder that even superstars celebrate their friends' big moments with unfiltered joy.

With the 2026 WNBA season on the horizon, Clark remains focused on leading the Fever, but moments like this highlight the human side of the game — friendship, love and shared history that endure long after the final buzzer.