University of Iowa Basketball Star Caitlin Clark Breaks NCAA All-Time Scoring Record
In a historic moment for women’s college basketball, University of Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark has shattered the NCAA all-time scoring record. The record had remained untouched for over 50 years until Clark’s remarkable achievement. The 22-year-old surpassed the previous record held by “Pistol” Pete Maravich, who scored 3,667 points while playing at Louisiana State University in 1970. Clark now holds an astonishing 3,668 points and counting.
Clark’s record-breaking moment occurred during a game against Ohio State, where she scored 18 points and sealed the milestone with a technical free throw at the end of the second quarter. The crowd erupted in applause as Clark solidified her place in basketball history.
This is not the first time Clark has made headlines. Just weeks before breaking the NCAA all-time women’s scoring record, she surpassed the previous women’s record held by former University of Washington star Kelsey Plum, who had accumulated 3,527 points. Clark achieved this feat during a game against Michigan on February 15, further solidifying her status as one of the greatest players in college basketball history.
Before her record-breaking achievements, Clark had already made a name for herself in the basketball world. She became only the sixth player in NCAA women’s basketball history to record 1,000 career assists during a game against the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on February 11. This milestone showcased her exceptional skills as a playmaker and solidified her place among the elite players of the game.
Off the court, Clark has also made waves. Thanks to the new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rules that allow college athletes to be paid for endorsements, she has secured lucrative brand endorsement deals with Gatorade, Nike, State Farm, and Buick. These deals have earned her nearly $800,000, a testament to her marketability and popularity.
Despite being eligible to play for the Hawkeyes for another season due to the COVID-19 waiver granted in her first year, Clark has decided to declare for the 2024 WNBA draft. In a social media post on Thursday, she announced her decision, and she is projected to be the No. 1 draft pick by the Indiana Fever. This move will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Clark’s basketball journey as she transitions to the professional level.
Clark’s accolades extend beyond her scoring records and endorsements. She was named co-freshman of the year by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association in 2021, sharing the honor with UConn’s Paige Bueckers. In 2023, she was named AP player of the year and has received prestigious awards such as the Naismith Trophy, the AAU Sullivan Award, and the Nancy Lieberman Award throughout her college basketball career. These accolades reflect her exceptional talent and impact on the game.
Clark’s rise to stardom has not only captivated basketball fans but has also sparked a new era in women’s sports. Her jaw-dropping three-pointers, many of which were shot from nearly half-court, gained attention last season when she led the Hawkeyes to the 2023 NCAA finals. Although Iowa fell short against Angel Reese and the LSU Tigers, the game’s ending marked a new beginning for women’s basketball.
The 2023 NCAA finals became the most-viewed NCAA women’s basketball game in history, attracting over 9 million viewers. Since then, game tickets have skyrocketed in price, with some reaching as high as $5,000. Fans are now eagerly lining up outside college gymnasiums to witness the extraordinary talents of collegiate stars like Clark.
The newfound interest in women’s basketball has also spilled over into the professional league. The WNBA reported record-breaking viewership and attendance following the 2022-2023 season, a testament to the growing popularity and recognition of women’s basketball.
While Clark has undoubtedly made a significant impact, she is not alone in her achievements. Dyaisha Fair of the Syracuse Orange recently became the fifth all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball, surpassing former Baylor University star Brittney Griner. On the West Coast, Juju Watkins, a freshman center at the University of Southern California, is also breaking records. Watkins delivered an impressive 11 30-point games in a single season, breaking a 35-year-old record set by basketball legend Cheryl Miller.
Clark’s success story is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. Hailing from Iowa, she chose to stay in her home state and make a lasting impact on the University of Iowa basketball program. Her achievements have not only rewritten the record books but have also inspired a new generation of female athletes to dream big and push the boundaries of what is possible in women’s sports. As Clark embarks on her professional career in the WNBA, fans eagerly await
