Clark elevates NCAA as women’s tourney outpaces men’s game
It is a known fact that hawks use their sharp, curved talons for capturing prey. For Iowa Hawkeye Caitlin Clark, that has not proven necessary. The 6-foot guard uses her ability to shoot from the logo to take down predators and set all-time records. Clark had an amazing season, averaging 27.8 points per game, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. Iowa fell short of winning it all after losing to Louisiana State University by 17 points in the national championship, but Clark easily had the best season and that deserves a highlight.
The athlete destroyed numerous records in the Iowa girls basketball program and in sports history. She has 2,500 career points at Iowa and is only the second player in school history to do so. Her streak of scoring in double figures has surpassed 90 games, which is an NCAA Division l best. To add on, Clark has also broken the Big 10 single season record for most points, scoring 1055 in one season. In the madness that was March, Clark made the most three-pointers in a single tournament, scored the most points in a single tournament, and was the first ever to have a triple-double over 40 points in NCAA’s history. Experts predict her to be a first round draft pick when she decides to declare. Many speculate that she will be the first woman to play with the men.
An integral quality of an athlete is attitude and character. Clark remains confident and humble on and off the court. The athlete knows there is nothing she can say that has not been already said about her. During press conferences, she gives credit to her teammates and coaches while keeping in mind she is currently the highest-ranked player. After the national championship loss, LSU small forward, Angel Reese, came under heavy fire from the sexist double standard of media audiences ‘appalled’ by her gamesmanship. Clark, on the other hand, appreciated the trash talk of battle and congratulated Reese, speaking highly of her during the press conference. She complimented her play style and admitted that she simply played a better game.
The championship had 9.9 million viewers, the most viewed NCAA women's basketball final in history. Clark put a spotlight on women's athletics and broke society's expectations for women's basketball. The guard electrified fans and created a new sense of excitement. As Clark passed men's records, she proved that women's athletic abilities can be as electric as the men’s game. The athlete not only destroys competition but sheds light on an important topic and makes it more than just a sport. She stands as a positive female figure for young athletes and females in the sports industry all around the world.
Arguably the most prestigious award Clark has earned is the Associated Press Player of the Year award. This achievement is the highest honor in women's basketball. Clark was visiting the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital when she received the news that she was player of the year, which shows foremost the kind of person she is.
To say the least, Clark has left her mark this season. Expanding the purpose of basketball beyond winning is a beautiful act. It will be interesting to see what Clark does during the off-season to improve herself and the sports industry overall. The junior's career has just begun, and her talent has not reached its full potential.
by Sophie Carlin
Published April 24, 2023
Oshkosh West Index Volume 119 Issue VII