Iowa’s Caitlin Clark Breaks NCAA Women’s Hoops Scoring Record
IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Carver-Hawkeye Arena was buzzing with excitement as Caitlin Clark, the star guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, made history by breaking the NCAA women’s basketball career scoring record. Clark’s incredible achievement delighted the packed crowd and solidified her place among the greatest players in the sport.
Clark entered the game against Michigan with 3,520 points, just eight shy of surpassing the previous record set by Washington’s Kelsey Plum from 2013 to 2017. With the ball in her hands right from the opening tip, Clark wasted no time. She drove to the basket for a layup and followed it up with a 3-pointer from her favorite spot on the court, the left side. Another 3-pointer from the same side sent the arena into pandemonium. In just 2 minutes and 12 seconds, Clark etched her name in the record books.
Both Clark and Hawkeyes coach Lisa Bluder had not anticipated a stoppage of play when the record was broken. However, Iowa took a timeout, and Clark’s teammates gathered around her for a joyous group hug on the court. Clark’s beaming smile captured the essence of the moment, as she celebrated a record that had never felt like a burden.
“It’s cool to be in the same realm as a lot of really, really good players,” Clark said during a halftime interview. “I’m lucky to do it because I have really good teammates and really good coaches and a great support system that surrounds me.”
But Clark wasn’t finished after breaking the record. She continued to dominate the game, scoring 23 points in the first quarter alone. Shooting 8-of-10 from the field, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, Clark showcased her scoring prowess and set a new personal record for points in any first quarter of her Iowa career.
The 22-year-old guard’s accomplishments don’t end with the scoring record. She is already the first Division I women’s player to reach 3,000 points and 1,000 assists. Clark’s achievements extend beyond records and milestones; she is a generational talent who is elevating the popularity of women’s basketball.
Billie Jean King, a tennis champion and women’s sports advocate, praised Clark, saying, “She is the hottest star in basketball — all of basketball, and not just women’s basketball — and with that comes a heavy responsibility to be a leader on and off the court. She gets it, and that is part of the reason she will have an opportunity to be one of the best in her sport and a role model for future generations.”
Despite shouldering immense expectations, Clark appears to be relishing every moment. Her passion, confidence, and joyful flair on the court have made the “Caitlin Clark Show” one of the most sought-after tickets in sports. Fans of all ages chant her name and proudly wear her No. 22 jersey. Clark’s impact extends beyond the court, as she has become a symbol of inspiration for young athletes.
NCAA rule changes regarding name, image, and likeness have allowed Clark to feature in national advertising campaigns. Even sports icons like Patrick Mahomes and Stephen Curry have praised her game. Curry, often regarded as the best shooter in NBA history, acknowledged Clark’s talent and expressed gratitude for being an inspiration to her.
Clark’s popularity has skyrocketed since her breakout performance in the 2023 NCAA tournament. Leading Iowa to the Final Four and capturing the attention of millions of viewers, she has become a beacon of hope for women’s basketball. Her preseason game at Iowa’s football stadium drew a record-breaking attendance of 55,646 fans, demonstrating the immense following she has garnered.
Julie Foudy, an Olympic and Women’s World Cup soccer champion, commended Clark’s ability to handle the attention and recognized the impact her stardom can have on women’s sports. Foudy drew a parallel between Clark and Mia Hamm, another superstar athlete who understood the significance of her popularity and used it to benefit women’s sports as a whole.
As Clark contemplates her future, she faces a pivotal decision. She could stay at Iowa for another season or declare for the 2024 WNBA draft, where she is expected to be the No. 1 pick. Regardless of her choice, Clark remains focused on leading Iowa to victory in the Big Ten and returning to the women’s Final Four. With every point she scores, she adds to her own NCAA record and continues to propel the sport’s popularity forward.
Rebecca Lobo, an ESPN analyst and former UConn national champion, believes that Clark’s level-headedness, balance, and magnetic personality will ensure that she remains a driving force in growing the popularity of women’s basketball.
Caitlin Clark’s journey is far from over. As she
