If you haven’t heard of Caitlin Clark yet, you’re missing someone very special. She’s a remarkable talent who might be on the verge of becoming the best women’s basketball player in history. Clark is from, of all places, West Des Moines, Iowa. However, she has quickly become a household name in women’s basketball circles throughout the United Stars and the world. She’s about to showcase her ability in the women’s NCAA basketball tournament that’s now underway.
Clark has emerged as one of the most exciting players in the game today. She came to the attention of basketball fans everywhere when she scored an amazing 60 points in a single game for Dowling High School. [As a note, the link above is to a Los Angeles Times article from March 12 that talks about her current achievements as well as her photo link to Kobe Bryant.]
Clark’s Passion for the Game of Basketball
But it wasn’t just her scoring prowess that turned heads. Clark has an unstoppable passion for the game. That passion, coupled with her relentless work ethic, has set her apart as a force on the court. Her play at the collegiate level with the Iowa Hawkeyes has been a story of growth and accomplishment. She’ll soon be drafted number one for the WNBA.
As a standout guard for the Hawkeyes, Clark has rewritten the record books and redefined what it means to be a women’s basketball player. Her accolades speak for themselves, including breaking the all-time scoring record for NCAA Division I – man or woman – when she passed Pete Maravich’s total of 3,667 points set in 1967-70 at LSU and Antoine Davis’ 3,664 set from 2018-23 at the University of Detroit.
A List of Records Clark Set at Iowa
Here is a list of records that Clark set at the University of Iowa:
First, Clark became the All-Time leading scorer in the Big Ten Tournament by putting up 293 points (and more are coming) in the Big Ten tournament for her career. Second, Clark became the first Division I women’s player to score 1,000 points in multiple seasons. Third, with 1,020 points during the 2023-24 current season, Clark is just 90 points away from breaking the NCAA single-season scoring record of 1,109 points set by Kelsey Plum in 2016-17.
Fourth, Clark surpassed Plum’s NCAA career scoring record during the regular-season win over Michigan on February 15. Fifth, she set the Big Ten tournament career assist record last year with 78 assists over three seasons. This year, she increased her total to 100 assists, the most by any women’s player in any conference tournament over the past 25 seasons.
Sixth, Clark twice scored at least 25 points and dished out 15 assists in a conference tournament game. That demonstration of versatility and playmaking has never been done previously.
Clark Is Pushing the Boundaries of Women’s Basketball
But what truly sets Clark apart is her love for the game. Her hard work and commitment push the boundaries of excellence every time she sets foot on a basketball court. She’s equally adept at swishing three-pointers or drawing the defense to her so she can disperse assists to her teammates with amazing accuracy. She’s a joy to watch on the court not only because of her skill but also because of her obvious desire to win.
Fortunately, Clark is also well-spoken and has blended her intelligence and her commitment to emerge as a vocal advocate for women’s basketball. She uses her platform and her notoriety to champion the sport and inspire the next generation of athletes (young men and young women alike). She’s dedicated to elevating women’s basketball. And, because she’s so good at what she does on the court, she’s earned the right to be heard. That makes her both a standout player as well as a role model for athletes everywhere.
What Caitlin Clark and Kobe Bryant Have in Common
Interestingly, in reading the Los Angeles Times article, the following connections can be made between Clark and the great Kobe Bryant. First, both Clark and Bryant have demonstrated strong support for women’s basketball. While Bryant championed women’s sports following his NBA career, Clark has also been a vocal advocate for women’s basketball. Both shared a commitment to advancing the women’s game.
Second, Clark embodies the “Mamba Mentality.” That’s a term coined by Bryant to describe his relentless work ethic and competitive mindset. Clark shares the same dedication to her game. In many ways, according to the article, she mirrors Bryant’s approach to basketball.
Third, in the same way that Bryant inspired a generation of basketball players with his skill and determination, Clark has emerged as an inspirational figure in women’s basketball. Both left a lasting impact on their respective areas of play. And, both have inspired others to push for greatness and raise the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.
For any basketball fan who hasn’t seen Clark play, tune into the women’s game during the NCAA’s women’s championship. She should be worth taking the time to watch her brilliance on the basketball court. The tall and the short of it are that Clark is a great women’s basketball player. She’s a rising star in the game of basketball.
