NEW DELHI: Iowa City witnessed a spectacular moment in women's college
basketball
as
Caitlin Clark
, the standout guard for the
Iowa Hawkeyes
, approaches the
NCAA women's basketball
scoring record. Clark, with 3,489 points to her name, is just 39 points away from surpassing the current record-holder,
Kelsey Plum
, who set the mark at 3,527 during her tenure with the
Washington Huskies
.
The record, which has only changed hands twice in the past 23 years, was previously held by Missouri State's
Jackie Stiles
from 2001 to 2017. Stiles, Plum, and now Clark have become synonymous with sharpshooting excellence in women's college basketball.
While the pursuit of this historic achievement has been marked by varying emotions for different players, Caitlin Clark embraces the journey with composure and joy. Speaking after Iowa's 111-93 victory over Penn State, Clark expressed her focus on winning and enjoying the unique experiences that come with such a remarkable career.
"I don't feel that much pressure," Clark said. "I feel like, at this point, it's like 'when' it's going to happen, rather than me chasing it down. My main focus is just on winning, having fun, enjoying these environments because it's so special."
Clark's maturity and calmness in handling the spotlight have been notable throughout her career, distinguishing her approach from those who came before her. While being a scoring sensation, she maintains a team-oriented perspective and relishes every moment on the court.
In Thursday's game against Penn State, Clark wasn't the leading scorer for Iowa, with sophomore Hannah Stuelke stealing the spotlight with a career-high 47 points. Clark, with 27 points and 15 assists, showcased her versatility and team-first mentality. Iowa's head coach, Lisa Bluder, commended Clark for her on and off-court demeanor, emphasizing her humility and dedication. "She earns every [bit] of respect by the way that she performs, the way that she practices ... she doesn't act like a prima donna," Bluder stated.
As Clark closes in on the scoring record, she remains connected to those who preceded her. Jackie Stiles, who recruited both Plum and Clark during her coaching career, is watching with admiration. Stiles, reflecting on Clark's game, remarked, "Every time she has the ball in her hands, you're in anticipation of what's going to happen, because it's just electric."
The journey toward breaking the NCAA scoring record involves not only skill and athleticism but also mental fortitude. Plum, the current record-holder, shared her perspective, acknowledging the pressure that came with the achievement. She offered advice to media and fans, urging them to recognize Caitlin Clark not just as a basketball player but as a young woman with feelings and emotions.
Clark's trajectory, if she surpasses Plum's record, opens up the possibility of reaching further milestones. The AIAW large-school women's record stands at 3,649 points, while the overall NCAA college basketball mark, held by Pete Maravich, is 3,667.
Caitlin Clark, with her infectious passion for the game and a flair for making history, is poised to etch her name among the basketball greats. As fans and fellow athletes celebrate her journey, the anticipation builds for the moment she claims her place in the annals of women's college basketball history.
(Inputs from agencies)
English (US) ·