Sports

Caitlin Clark, a record-breaking legend in NCAA basketball history

Emily Mathee, Asst. Sports Editor, Asst. Features Editor • March 8, 2024

Caitlin Clark, a name now and forever engraved with excellence in Women’s basketball, has set the new NCAA scoring record among men and women.

Clark’s latest achievement followed two weeks after she broke Kelsey Plum’s record (3,527 points) and became the Division I women’s basketball all-time scorer. In just two weeks she was able to make 140+ points to then beat Pete Maravich.

Clark surpassed Pete Maravich’s record (3,667 points) and became the biggest name in college basketball as the all-time leading scorer this past March 3. She made two free throws after a technical foul was called in the Hawkeyes game against No.2 Ohio State. Maravich’s record was not touched in 54 years until Caitlin Clark came along.

On top of that, Clark is the first Division I player to top 3,000 points, 1,000 assists, and 800 rebounds. She’s also the first Division I player to record 3,000 points and 1,000 assists in a career. She has 59 career games with at least 25 points, five assists, and five rebounds- an NCAA record. Is there anything she can’t accomplish?

Despite the many achievements Clark has made in her career so far, the story of her career is more than just about personal excellence, it is a narrative of inspiring a new generation of athletes and changing the game for women in sports. Clark truly is a monumental figure for women in sports as she redefines the possibilities for girls who follow in her footsteps. This achievement is a symbol of helping break down long-standing gender barriers.

Clark has shined a lot of light on women’s college basketball. However, as of Feb. 29, she has announced she will be furthering her career and entering the 2024 WNBA Draft. Considering her extraordinary work on the collegiate level, she will continue to succeed at the professional level.

Caitlin Clark is the epitome of success. With talent, hard work, determination, and perseverance, Clark was able to be remarkable in her four years with the Hawkeyes. Her accomplishments have inspired so many people and will be marked in NCAA History forever.