Caitlin Clark: A Basketball Phenom Rising to Stardom
NCAA basketball star Caitlin Clark
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Caitlin Clark scored 33 points to break the major college scoring record with 3,650 points, surpassing Lynette Woodard.
The new NCAA scoring record
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Clark also surpassed “Pistol Pete” Maravich’s record of 3,667 career points, which stood for more than 50 years. Clark set the new NCAA scoring record at 3,685 points.
Criticized the NCAA
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Iowa coach Lisa Bluder criticized the NCAA for not recognizing pre-1982 records, highlighting the achievements of players like Woodard.
The real record
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“Tonight is the night of the real record,” Bluder said.
Prior to 1982
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“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.
Brought to their attention
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“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.”
Woodard’s legacy
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Clark acknowledged Woodard’s legacy and the need for recognition of past women’s basketball players.
All-time scoring record
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She is now close to Pete Maravich’s all-time scoring record in NCAA basketball.
Super special
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“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.”
Inclusion and recognition
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Woodard emphasized the importance of respecting pre-1981 players and their accomplishments for historical inclusion and recognition.
Respect the history
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“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.”
Electrifying talent
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With her electrifying talent, unmatched skillset, and fierce determination, Clark has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic and exciting players to watch, captivating audiences and redefining the game with her extraordinary abilities on the court.
Basketball stardom
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Born on June 22, 2001, in Des Moines, Iowa, Caitlin Clark’s journey to basketball stardom began at a young age.
It was clear
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From the moment she picked up a basketball, it was clear that she possessed a special talent and an innate ability to dominate the game. As she honed her skills and rose through the ranks of youth basketball, Clark’s potential became increasingly evident, drawing attention from college scouts and recruiters across the country.
A basketball prodigy
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In high school, Caitlin Clark solidified her status as a basketball prodigy, setting records and garnering accolades for her exceptional play.
Dazzling fans
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A prolific scorer and playmaker, she routinely put up eye-popping numbers, dazzling fans with her scoring prowess, court vision, and ability to take over games when it mattered most.
Her basketball career
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Clark’s talents did not go unnoticed, and she soon became one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation. After weighing her options, she ultimately chose to continue her basketball career at the University of Iowa, where she would have the opportunity to showcase her skills on a larger stage and compete against the best collegiate talent in the country.
Standout performances
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In her freshman season at Iowa, Caitlin Clark wasted no time in making her mark on the college basketball landscape. She burst onto the scene with a series of standout performances, earning national recognition and accolades for her outstanding play.
Quickly established herself
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With her combination of scoring ability, passing prowess, and competitive fire, Clark quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference.
Beyond the basketball court
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Clark’s impact extends beyond the basketball court. Off the court, she is known for her humility, work ethic, and commitment to giving back to her community. She serves as a role model for aspiring young athletes, inspiring them to dream big and pursue their passions with dedication and perseverance.
Destined for greatness
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As Caitlin Clark’s basketball journey unfolds, one thing is clear: she is destined for greatness. With her extraordinary talent, unmatched determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence, she has all the makings of a basketball legend. As she continues to dazzle fans and dominate the game, Caitlin Clark is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of women’s basketball for years to come.
