March is here, also known as Women’s History Month. And a milestone in women’s history has just taken place, in which Caitlin Clark, a point guard on the University of Iowa women’s basketball team, has surpassed Peter Maravich (better known as Pistol Pete) as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I basketball history (both men’s and women’s basketball). Such a feat was
accomplished when Iowa squared off against Ohio State. Clark needed 18 points to become the all-time leading scorer, which was accomplished in the first half. Iowa went on to win the game 93-83, with Clark scoring a total of 35 points.
Caitlin Clark was born on January 22, 2002 in Des Moines, Iowa. Her childhood and pre-teen years consisted of playing basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, golf, and soccer before she decided to focus on basketball. While in the sixth grade, she joined All Iowa Attack, an Amateur Athletic Union basketball program, whom she played for until graduating from Dowling Catholic High School, where she played varsity basketball at. During a 90-78 victory over Mason City High School during her junior, Clark scored 60 points. She also played volleyball during her
freshman and sophomore years, but eventually decided to focus on basketball.
Clark began attending the University of Iowa in 2020, averaging 26.6 points per game during her freshman year, in which the Hawkeyes had a 20-10 record (losing to Connecticut in the Sweet Sixteen Round of the NCAA Tournament). During her sophomore year, she averaged 27 points per game, and the Hawkeyes had a 24-8 record (losing to Creighton in the second round of the NCAA Tournament). During her junior year, Clark averaged 27.8 points per game, in which the Hawkeyes had a 31-7 record (losing to LSU for the national championship).
Clark and her fellow Hawkeyes currently have a 26-4 record, in which she has averaged 32.2 points per game. How far the Hawkeyes will go this season is yet to be seen.
A few days ago, Clark announced that she would enter the WNBA draft.
Clark’s achievements have brought her much recognition, including being named Class 5A All-State third-team during her freshman year of high school, being named Class 5A All-State first-team during her sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school, Iowa Miss Basketball, being the first ever freshman to win the Dawn Staley Award (which honors the best Division I guard), winning the Dawn Staley Award during her sophomore year (thus becoming the first back-to-back recipient of that award), being named AP Player of the Year, Best Female College Athlete ESPY Award, and Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year Award during her junior year. It is to be determined what recognition she will receive for her senior year at Iowa.
Needless to say, she will be remembered as one of the greatest players in women’s college basketball. It is yet to be seen how far she goes in the WNBA.
