Caitlin Clark Breaks NCAA Women’s Hoops Scoring Record
IOWA CITY, Iowa — The atmosphere was electric at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Thursday as Caitlin Clark, the star guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, etched her name into the history books. Clark broke the NCAA women’s basketball career scoring record, much to the delight of the packed crowd in attendance.
Entering the game against Michigan, Clark needed just eight points to surpass the previous record set by Washington’s Kelsey Plum from 2013 to ’17. It didn’t take long for the home-state hero to achieve this feat, as she scored her eighth point on a long 3-pointer just minutes into the game.
But that’s not the end of Clark’s scoring journey. In her senior season, she has the opportunity to reach even greater milestones. The AIAW large-school women’s record, set by Kansas’ Lynette Woodard from 1977 to ’81, stands at 3,649 points. Additionally, the NCAA men’s record of 3,667 points, held by LSU’s Pete Maravich from 1967 to ’70, could also be within reach.
However, Clark’s impact extends far beyond records and milestones. She is a generational talent who is not only revolutionizing the game but also growing its popularity.
Renowned tennis champion and women’s sports advocate Billie Jean King spoke highly of Clark, stating, Caitlin Clark is one of those athletes who is a champion in sports and in life. She is the hottest star in basketball, and with that comes the responsibility to be a leader on and off the court. She gets it, and that is part of the reason she will be a role model for future generations.
At just 22 years old, Clark shoulders the weight of high expectations, but she appears to be relishing every moment. Her passion, confidence, and flair have been evident since her freshman year in 2020, even when games were played in empty arenas due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, the Caitlin Clark Show is a must-see event. Fans from all walks of life enthusiastically support her, wearing her No. 22 jersey and eagerly attending her games. Clark’s popularity has elevated to such a level that she even has a police escort on game days.
The recent NCAA rule changes regarding name, image, and likeness have further allowed Clark to expand her reach. She has appeared in national advertising campaigns and received praise from influential players such as Patrick Mahomes and Stephen Curry.
Curry, often considered the greatest shooter in NBA history, commented on Clark’s talent, saying, Caitlin’s special. The record speaks for itself, and it’s cool. If she models something of her game after me, I don’t take that for granted.
Clark has undeniably left a lasting impression on the sport. ESPN analyst and former UConn national champion Rebecca Lobo compared her to Curry, noting their similar qualities that resonate with fans.
But aside from her statistics and accolades, Clark’s impact on women’s basketball in Iowa cannot be overstated. Her decision to stay in her home state for college has resulted in back-to-back Big Ten tournament titles for the Hawkeyes and a Final Four appearance in 2023. Last season, she made history by breaking the record for scoring in an NCAA tournament and leading Iowa to an upset victory over South Carolina.
Although Clark has the option to enter the WNBA draft this year, she remains focused on leading Iowa to further successes. As the season unfolds, she aims to secure the Big Ten regular-season and tournament championships while setting new scoring records along the way.
Whether she stays for another season at Iowa or embarks on her professional career, Clark’s influence on the popularity of women’s basketball is likely to continue. Her charisma, skill, and relatability make her a superstar worth watching and emulating.
Caitlin Clark has redefined the game, and her impact reaches far beyond the court. As her journey unfolds, she will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of basketball players and continue to leave an indelible mark on the sport she loves.
