Caitlin Clark scored 33 points to break the major college scoring record with 3,650 points, surpassing Lynette Woodard.
Iowa coach Lisa Bluder criticized the NCAA for not recognizing pre-1982 records, highlighting the achievements of players like Woodard.
“Tonight is the night of the real record,” Bluder said.
“For some reason the NCAA does not want to recognize the basketball that was played prior to 1982, and that’s wrong. We played basketball back then. They just don’t want to recognize it, and that hurts the rest of us who were playing at that time. There’s no reason why that should not be the true record,” she said.
“Maybe the NCAA will realize that now. Maybe it will be brought to their attention, and they will start recognizing those women who played in the ’70s,” Bluder said. “Remember, they played with a larger basketball and no 3-point line either.”
Clark acknowledged Woodard’s legacy and the need for recognition of past women’s basketball players.
She is now close to Pete Maravich’s all-time scoring record in NCAA basketball.
“I’m just really thankful and grateful to have those players who have come before me. Yeah, it’s super special. Obviously, she’s one of the best all-time,” Clark said. “It just still shows the room that we have to improve, and where women’s sports is going is a really great place.”
Woodard emphasized the importance of respecting pre-1981 players and their accomplishments for historical inclusion and recognition.
“They should respect the history. Include us and our accomplishments,” Woodard said. “This is the era of diversity, equity and inclusion. They should include us. We deserve it.”
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