Caitlin Clark’s Emotional Tribute to High School Janitor Still Working at 80—Her Next Move Leaves the Whole Town in Tears
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – For Caitlin Clark, March 2025 has been a whirlwind. From leading Iowa in an unforgettable NCAA Tournament run to becoming the face of college basketball, Clark has been celebrated for her on-court brilliance and off-court grace. But nothing could have prepared her hometown—or her fans—for what happened during a surprise visit to her alma mater, Dowling Catholic High School.
What was meant to be a low-key stop to visit former teachers and support staff turned into an emotional moment that brought the entire community to tears.
A Quiet Legend Still Sweeping the Halls
While walking through the familiar halls of Dowling Catholic, Clark paused near the gymnasium where she once played as a high school phenom. But what caught her attention wasn’t the basketball banners hanging overhead—it was a familiar figure mopping the floor beneath them.
“Is that… Mr. Russell?” she reportedly whispered to her former assistant coach.
And indeed, it was. It was 80-year-old James Russell, the longtime janitor who had worked at Dowling Catholic for over six decades, still diligently performing his duties with the same pride he had shown when Clark was a freshman.
“I couldn’t believe he was still working,” Clark said emotionally in an interview later that day. “He’s the kindest man I’ve ever met. He always made us laugh and stayed late to lock up after games. He deserves the world.”
And in true Caitlin Clark fashion—she meant it.
Her Next Move Leaves Staff and Students Speechless
What happened next stunned everyone in the building.
Without hesitation, Clark asked to speak with the school’s principal and financial coordinator. Sources say she quietly arranged to fund a full retirement package for Mr. Russell, which included healthcare coverage, a brand-new Ford truck (his old one had broken down three winters ago), and a $50,000 bonus so that he could finally take the long-awaited fishing trip to Montana he had always dreamed of.
“She didn’t want attention for it,” said Principal Theresa Madden. “But how could we not celebrate such a gesture? It’s not just about money. It’s about gratitude. Caitlin didn’t forget the people who helped shape her.”
A Viral Moment from a Humble Hero
The moment Mr. Russell received his retirement package was captured in a tear-jerking video shared on the school’s Instagram. The elderly janitor stood in stunned silence as Clark hugged him tightly, whispering, “You’ve always taken care of us. Now it’s our turn.”
The video quickly went viral, spreading across ESPN, Bleacher Report, and social media, with NBA legends like Magic Johnson and Dwyane Wade praising Clark’s character. “Caitlin Clark has the heart of a champion—on and off the court,” Magic Johnson wrote. “This is what leadership looks like.”
The gesture sparked a nationwide conversation about underappreciated school staff and the elderly workers who continue to work past retirement age, often out of necessity.
Clark’s Continuing Commitment to Giving Back
Soon after the story broke, Clark’s agent revealed that the star had committed to donating a portion of her future NIL earnings to a scholarship fund for children of support staff in Iowa public schools.
“She wants to keep this going,” her agent said. “To Caitlin, Mr. Russell represents countless unsung heroes across the country.”
Mr. Russell’s Heartfelt Reaction: “I Never Expected This”
James Russell was overwhelmed by the gesture. “I never expected this,” he told a local news outlet through tears. “I’ve watched Caitlin grow from a little girl with a big dream to the most incredible young woman. I thought she’d forget about this old janitor, but she didn’t. That means more to me than I can say.”
He ended the interview by showing a photo of him and Clark from 2018. “Back then, I told her she was going to change the world. Guess I was right.”
Caitlin Clark’s Legacy: More Than Points Scored
While Caitlin Clark has already cemented her place in sports history, her true legacy may not be defined by the points she’s scored on the court, but by the lives she’s touched. In a world desperate for role models, Clark has shown us what it truly means to give back.
As for Mr. Russell, he’s finally set to take that long-awaited fishing trip to Montana. Thanks to one extraordinary former student, he’ll do it not out of obligation—but with peace, dignity, and joy. And for Clark, this may be her greatest achievement yet—not on the court, but in the hearts of those she’s changed forever.
The Power of Kindness and Gratitude
Caitlin Clark’s story serves as a beautiful reminder that true greatness goes beyond athletic achievements—it’s about kindness, recognizing the unsung heroes in our lives, and making a lasting impact on the people who helped us get where we are.
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