By DOUG FEINBERG (AP Basketball Writer)
Caitlin Clark is finishing her impressive college career with another season of breaking records and earning prestigious awards.
The standout guard from Iowa was recognized on Thursday as The Associated Press Player of the Year in women’s basketball for the second straight year.
Clark was chosen by 35 out of 36 national media panel members who vote on the AP Top 25 each week. The remaining vote went to Cameron Brink of Stanford. The voting took place before March Madness began.
The 22-year-old Clark is the sixth player to win the award more than once and the fifth to do so in consecutive seasons.
The all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I set multiple records while helping Iowa make it to the Final Four for the second straight season. Iowa will face UConn in the semifinals on Friday night in Cleveland.
The fans have shown immense support for Clark, wearing her No. 22 jersey in large numbers whether Iowa was playing at home or away.
Clark expressed, “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. 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.”
Her opponents have recognized her as a once-in-a-generation talent and tried to hinder her creativity and scoring, but she averaged 31.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists during the regular season, helping Iowa achieve a 29-4 record and secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Millions of people now consider watching her games a must-see event. The Elite Eight rematch with LSU earlier this week was viewed by over 12 million, setting a new record for any women’s college basketball game. This has further elevated the profile of the sport, which is currently experiencing a surge in popularity. She is expected to be the top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, potentially joining the Indiana Fever.
Clark has consistently acknowledged her teammates and coach, and has highlighted that the women’s game had prominent figures like Lynette Woodard and Pearl Moore, among many others, long before she began captivating fans in an era where numerous games are readily accessible on TV every season.
Her college career will come to an end this weekend, marking an extraordinary 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.”
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AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket/ and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness
