Caitlin Clark is finishing her impressive college career with another season of breaking records and winning prestigious awards.
On Thursday, the talented guard from Iowa, Caitlin Clark, was recognized as The Associated Press Player of the Year in women’s basketball for the second year in a row.
Clark got 35 votes from the 36-member national media panel that votes on the AP Top 25 each week. Cameron Brink of Stanford received the other vote, and the voting took place before March Madness began.
At 22 years old, Clark is the sixth player to win the award more than once and the fifth to do so in consecutive seasons.
The scoring leader in NCAA Division I set numerous records while helping Iowa make it to the Final Four for a second year in a row. A semifinal game with UConn is scheduled for Friday night in Cleveland.
Through her logo-depth 3-pointers and impressive passes, Clark has won the hearts of fans who came out in large numbers wearing her No. 22 jersey throughout the season, whether Iowa was playing at home or on the road.
“I think that’s the best part about what I get to do. I grew up having those role models and aspiring to be where I am today,” Clark said. “It’s super special to see your impact not only in the state of Iowa but across the country. … To be able to have that impact on the next generation is really special, and you just hope to dream and aspire to be like you one day and chase after all their dreams.”
Coaches from other teams have praised her as a once-in-a-generation talent and have tried to limit her creativity and scoring. However, she averaged 31.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists during the regular season, helping Iowa achieve a 29-4 record and earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Her games have become a must-watch for millions. The Elite Eight rematch with LSU earlier this week was watched by over 12 million people, setting a record for any women’s college basketball game. This has further increased the sport's popularity. She is expected to be the number one pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, securing a spot with the Indiana Fever.
Clark has been quick to acknowledge her teammates and coach, and has pointed out that the women’s game had stars like Lynette Woodard and Pearl Moore long before she started dazzling fans. Nowadays, numerous games can easily be found on TV each season.
Her college career is coming to an end this weekend, marking quite a journey for the West Des Moines native.
“I feel like I’ve talked about her, like used every word imaginable to describe her,” coach Lisa Bluder said. “She is spectacular. I don’t know how else to describe what she does on the basketball court.”
