Iowa Hawkeyes superstar guard, Caitlin Clark, made NCAA history on Sunday as she became the Division-I all-time leading scorer in basketball, surpassing Hall of Famer “Pistol” Pete Maravich. In a highly anticipated game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, Clark’s outstanding performance saw her needing just 18 points to surpass Maravich’s record of 3,667 points. She achieved this feat with a pair of free throws in the final second of the first half, totaling 3,685 career points.
Notably, Clark remained focused on the game and unaware of the possibility of breaking a historic record until it was announced during halftime. She calmly reflected, “Not really, but then when they announce it and everybody screams, that’s when I knew.” Despite the pressure, Clark showcased her exceptional talent and dedication, finishing the game with 35 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. Ultimately, her stellar performance propelled No. 6 Iowa to a 93-83 victory over No. 2 Ohio State, solidifying her place in NCAA history.
Following the game, Clark expressed gratitude towards her supporters and teammates, emphasizing the importance of their unwavering encouragement throughout her collegiate career. “I’m just very thankful for all these people that are going to stick around and support us and have supported us over the course of my four years,” she shared. “It probably won’t hit me until a little bit later but [I’m] just gonna enjoy it with my family and my teammates and just really thankful to be in this place.”
Clark’s astounding achievement has not only solidified her position as a basketball phenomenon but also provides inspiration to aspiring athletes. With a humble and grateful mindset, she exemplifies the dedication and perseverance required to attain such extraordinary success in collegiate sports.
