University of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark Sparks Frenzy as She Nears NCAA Women’s Basketball Scoring Record

News outlets have dubbed it the ‘Caitlin Clark‘ effect, as fans and followers of women’s college basketball flock to watch University of Iowa‘s 22-year-old sensation, Caitlin Clark, as she closes in on the NCAA‘s all-time leading women’s scorer title. This phenomenon has resulted in long lines for autographs, sold-out arenas, and skyrocketing ticket prices.

Clark, a remarkable guard for the Hawkeyes, has gained widespread attention for her exceptional skills on the court. Described as a combination of Pistol Pete Maravich and Steph Curry, Clark’s fluid and unique style of play has captivated audiences.

Last week, Northwestern University witnessed record-breaking attendance for a women’s basketball game when they faced off against Clark and the Hawkeyes. The upcoming highly anticipated tournament between Iowa and the Maryland Terrapins is seeing resale ticket prices ranging from $123 to $1,454, showcasing the immense demand to catch a glimpse of Clark’s talent.

Notably, alongside Angel Reese of the LSU Tigers and JuJu Watkins of the USC Trojans, Clark has contributed to the growing popularity of women’s college basketball in recent years. The women’s Final Four saw a significant viewership boost, with an average of 4.5 million viewers, marking a 66% increase from the previous year.

Caitlin Clark’s journey to becoming a basketball sensation began even before her college career. Hailing from West Des Moines, Iowa, Clark showcased her skills on international stages, earning two gold medals with Team USA in the FIBA world cups at the youth level.

Her freshman season was nothing short of remarkable, averaging 26.6 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game. The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association recognized her by awarding her the co-freshman of the year title, among other accolades.

Iowa’s head coach, Lisa Bluder, had foreseen Clark’s immense potential as an offensive threat. In her sophomore year, Clark secured her third gold medal at the FIBA under-19 World Cup and received the tournament’s MVP honor.

In 2023, Clark propelled the Iowa Hawkeyes to their first Final Four appearance in 30 years, though they fell short in the championship game against the Louisiana State University‘s Tigers. However, Clark’s performance broke the NCAA record for most points in a tournament, a record previously held by Sheryl Swoopes since 1993.

Now in her senior year, Caitlin Clark has become a must-see attraction, leaving fans in uncertainty about her future. Given the extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Clark may choose to be drafted into the WNBA. If so, she is highly anticipated to become the first pick.

With the NCAA tournament selection approaching and the championship scheduled for April 7 in Cleveland, the University of Iowa’s women’s basketball team has never been closer to securing their first NCAA championship. With Clark’s exceptional skills, spectators can expect more records to be shattered. Notably, Clark has already achieved incredible milestones, including 50 career games with 30+ points, a feat unprecedented in both men’s and women’s college basketball in the last 25 seasons, and maintaining an 80-game streak of consecutive 3-pointers. She is also the first Division 1 player to achieve 3,300+ points, 900+ assists, and 800+ rebounds in a career.