Caitlin Clark Changes Women’s Basketball Forever

University of Iowa athlete Caitlin Clark has become an icon for college basketball. Clark had a historic season and shined under the spotlight throughout the NCAA tournament. Clark’s name grew to fame this season, as she became one of the best college basketball shooters this year. Throughout March Madness, she was trending on the news and social media. Her off-the-charts performances drew attention from millions of viewers across the nation. Clark averaged 31.8 points per game and dropped 40 points in numerous games throughout the tournament. Clark’s athletic abilities are outstanding to watch because she can launch three-pointers from over 30 feet deep. Caitlin Clark’s stellar performances have had a Steph Curry-type effect on college basketball. In fact, she scored 191 points total, breaking the most points scored in men’s and women’s March Madness History. 

Clark led Iowa into their first Final Four appearance since 1993 and unfortunately fell short to Louisiana State University in the National Championship. The women’s college basketball championship drew over 9.9 million viewers on ABC, making it the most-watched women’s basketball game in television history. The game peaked at 12.6 million viewers on all platforms. This championship game was also the most streamed sporting event on ESPN+. LSU, led by Hall of Fame Coach Kim Mulkey, was crowned national champions, beating the Iowa Hawkeyes 102-85. This was Mulkey’s third national championship, especially sentimental as it was her first year coaching and winning a national championship in her home state. LSU and Iowa will remain rivals as both teams build up their program and benefit from the transfer portal. 

While just missing the National Championship title, Caitlin Clark was awarded numerous accolades and broke several records this season. She was named the 2023 Naismith Women’s Basketball Player of the Year. During her 100th college game, she became the highest-scoring player in men’s and women’s college basketball history, surpassing 2,500 points. Only three other players have scored 2,500 points: Elena Delle Donne, Keydren Clark, and Steph Curry. She is the 2nd player in Iowa University history to eclipse 2,500 points. She also broke the Big Ten single-season record for most points scored in a single season with 1,055 points. Clark has also had 43 double-doubles and is the only player in the nation with more than 1,000 points, 240 rebounds, 310 assists, and 45 steals this season. 

Clark will be back at Iowa University for her senior season and has high spirits about leading her team back to the championship game once again–this time, winning.