“Here comes Caitlin Clark! How will she go for history?” Caitlin pulls up for a logo three. “There it is!” The crowd erupts. This is the moment when Caitlin Clark breaks the record for all-time points in D1 NCAA basketball for men and women. Clark is revolutionizing women’s basketball, breaking crazy records, drawing record crowds, and bringing more attention to women’s basketball than ever before. Clark, a 22-year-old Iowa basketball player, has cemented a legacy, and her career has just started.
On Sunday, March 3rd in a matchup against Michigan State, Clark became the all-time leading scorer in D1 NCAA basketball, surpassing Pete Maravich’s record in 1970. This matchup averaged 3.9 million viewers on FOX, which is the most watched regular season women’s basketball game since 2010. This game was the second most watched game this season across men’s and women’s college basketball.
Often the phrase “The Caitlin Clark Effect” is said in light of the unprecedented attention she has received. Iowa is averaging 100% fan attendance at home games. There has been a significant increase in streaming, averaging more than men’s basketball. Indiana Fever, the WNBA team that has the number one pick, has already doubled ticket prices as “the Caitlin Clark effect” is projected to continue.
For the first time in 30 years, the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament has sold out of every ticket. Everyone is eager to watch this sensation’s incredible range and scoring abilities. Typically, women’s basketball is often looked down on or overshadowed by men’s. “The Caitlin Clark Effect” has brought historical attention to women’s basketball, paving the way for women’s basketball to continue to thrive.
Looking at all her success, it’s easy to wonder how she achieved it. Clark was born on January 22,
2002 in West Des Moines, Iowa. She grew up playing sports with her brothers in their backyard. Due to limited opportunities, she played on an all-boys basketball team in elementary school. Highly accomplished in high school, Clark was Gatorade Play of the Year in Iowa junior and senior year and was a two-time MaxPreps and USA Today All-American selection. ESPN ranked Caitlin as the number 4 recruit for the class of 2020, and she then committed to Iowa State.
Freshman year of college, Caitlin led the country in points, three-pointers, assists, and field goals. She was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Sophomore year, she became the first NCAA D1 women’s basketball player to lead in average points and assists per game. However, during the NCAA tournament Iowa as the number 2 favorites lost to number 10 seed, Creighton. Clark had a disappointing game, only making a small percentage of her shots. At last year’s NCAA tournament, Clark and the Iowa team made it to the final two where they lost to LSU. Caitlin consistently performed extraordinarily throughout the tournament. Notably, during the Elite Eight game against Louisville, she had a 41 points- 10 rebounds- 11 assists triple-double. This was historical and made her the first D1 basketball player to accumulate 900 points and 300 assists in a single season.
Caitlin Clark has broken amazing records and brought more attention to women’s basketball than ever. She inspires young girl athletes and paves the way for women’s sports, especially basketball, to shine. Men have long dominated basketball, but because of Caitlin Clark, women’s basketball games are selling out, views are skyrocketing, and everywhere people are talking. As she wraps up her senior year in the Big Ten Tournament, she moves on to her next journey- the WNBA, where she is sure to continue her legacy.
