Caitlin Clark was a grade-school phenom. And now she is close to breaking the NCAA Division 1 scoring record.
Clark, a standout basketball player, caught the attention of Iowa’s associate head coach, Jan Jensen, when she was just in sixth grade. Jensen was immediately impressed by Clark’s skills on the court, from her pinpoint passes to her mastery of the deep 3-pointers. Clark’s talent and passion for the game made her a rising star and one of the most prominent female athletes in the United States.
Now, Clark is on the verge of breaking the NCAA career scoring record, currently held by Washington’s Kelsey Plum. She needs just 66 points to surpass Plum’s record of 3,527. With an impressive average of 32.4 points per game, Clark is expected to achieve this feat soon. The Hawkeyes’ upcoming games against Penn State and Michigan provide her with the perfect opportunities to make history.
Clark’s journey to this point has been fueled by her unwavering work ethic, passion, and fearlessness. Her former coach, Kristin Meyer, who coached her at Dowling Catholic High in West Des Moines, expressed her lack of surprise at Clark’s impending record-breaking achievement. Meyer highlighted Clark’s dedication to the sport and her role in growing the popularity of women’s basketball and the state of Iowa.
Raised in a sports-centric family, Clark’s competitive spirit was evident from a young age. Even as a six-year-old, she would cry after every game her team lost because of how much she cared. This drive to win stemmed from her regular competitions with her brothers, Blake and Colin, in various board games and sports. Clark’s determination was undeniable, as showcased in a basement Nerf basketball game when she unintentionally injured her brother, leading to a trip to the hospital for staples in his head.
Meyer first learned about Clark as an eighth-grader who would be joining her team. However, it was when Meyer watched Clark play for her AAU club prior to her freshman year that she realized Clark’s potential. Meyer quickly realized that her team would revolve around Clark’s exceptional skills and basketball IQ. Coaching Clark came with its challenges due to her advanced abilities, but Meyer recognized that Clark’s talent surpassed that of her peers. Clark’s accomplishments in high school, including scoring 2,547 points and winning national championships with her AAU team, solidified her status as a top prospect.
Clark’s road to success hasn’t been without obstacles. One of her defining moments came when she was left off the roster for the USA U17 team, serving as both a disappointment and motivation. However, she rose above this setback, responding with determination and growth, as seen by her tremendous improvement between her sophomore and junior years.
Clark’s impact extends beyond the court, as she continues to inspire fans with her astonishing performances. Her record-breaking game against Mason City, where she scored 60 points and made a state-record 13 3-pointers, left spectators in awe. Clark’s achievements have captivated fans and young players alike, evident in the Mason City student section lining up for her autograph.
As Clark approaches the NCAA Division 1 scoring record, her success serves to elevate women’s basketball and break barriers in the sport. Her talent, dedication, and passion have propelled her to the brink of history. As her remarkable journey continues, the world awaits the moment Caitlin Clark etches her name into the NCAA record books.
