Caitlin Clark Breaks NCAA Women’s Basketball All-Time Scoring Record
In a historic moment on Sunday afternoon, Caitlin Clark of the Iowa Hawkeyes shattered the NCAA Women’s Basketball all-time scoring record. The star player propelled her team to victory against Ohio State, securing a 93-83 win at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. Clark’s remarkable performance saw her drop an impressive 35 points, pushing her career total to a staggering 3,685 points.
Entering Sunday’s regular season finale, Clark needed just 18 points to surpass the previous record set by Pete Maravich. However, this was not the first time she had broken a scoring record. Clark had already surpassed Kelsey Plum’s scoring record on the women’s side and Lynette Woodard’s scoring record just last week. With Maravich’s record now in her sights, Clark was determined to etch her name in the annals of basketball history.
The significance of this achievement was not lost on the sporting world, as several notable figures were present at the game to witness Clark’s record-breaking moment. Among them were basketball legend Lynette Woodard, rapper Travis Scott, former WNBA star Maya Moore, “Jake From State Farm,” and former MLB pitcher Nolan Ryan. Their presence added an extra layer of excitement to an already momentous occasion.
As news of Clark’s accomplishment spread, congratulations poured in from all corners of the basketball community. Even Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James took to social media to express his admiration for Clark’s achievement. James, who had become the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 points the night before, tweeted, “CONGRATS @CaitlinClark22 on becoming the All-Time leading scorer!!” President Joe Biden also joined in, congratulating Clark on her historic feat.
Nike, a brand that has been closely associated with Clark throughout her record-breaking journey, wasted no time in celebrating her achievement. The company released a captivating new advertisement immediately after Clark broke the record. Earlier in the week, Nike had put up a massive mural of Clark shooting in downtown Iowa City, and on Sunday, they completed it by hanging a second banner of a basketball hoop on a nearby parking garage.
In a surprising turn of events, Clark announced on Thursday that she intends to declare for the WNBA Draft later this year instead of returning to Iowa City for a fifth season. Widely regarded as the top prospect, Clark is expected to be the first overall pick and join the Indiana Fever. Unsurprisingly, the Fever also joined in congratulating Clark on her record-breaking achievement.
The outpouring of support extended beyond the basketball community, with notable figures such as Travis Scott and Billie Jean King taking to social media to congratulate Clark. Their messages highlighted the significance of her accomplishment in elevating the conversation about women in sports.
With the regular season now behind her, Clark and the Hawkeyes will shift their focus to the upcoming Big Ten tournament in Minneapolis. Riding high on their victory and Clark’s historic achievement, they will undoubtedly enter the tournament with renewed confidence and determination.
Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking performance has solidified her place in NCAA Women’s Basketball history. Her extraordinary talent, determination, and unwavering dedication have propelled her to new heights. As she sets her sights on the WNBA Draft, there is no doubt that Caitlin Clark’s journey is far from over.
