While creating a name for herself as a senior at the University of Iowa, Caitlin Clark has taken the basketball world by storm and breaking many records, including the NCAA scoring record with 3,650 points. In recent interviews with family, Clark has played basketball since she was little, learning to be tough on and off the court. As her shots increase, so does her fan base. Before a recent game, Iowa vs. Michigan at the University of Iowa, fans and supporters were wrapped around the arena building, waiting for the game to see Clark play.
Payson Valinski (12) enjoys watching Caitlin Clark play and appreciates the impact she is making for entertainment and woman’s sports.
“Caitlin Clark is a crazy athlete, and her play style is very fun to watch. I think her performances are increasing the entertainment value and viewership of women’s basketball as a whole,” Valinski said.
Clark grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, with three brothers, which helped her later when playing basketball. During her middle school years, Clark was playing with a high-school level skill, putting her above the other players and was recruited even before her high school career. Going into high school, Clark was a starter for her varsity team as a freshman. In 2019, she committed to the University of Iowa. Since 2020, Clark has played for Coach Lisa Bluder and has continued to grow in skill.
Lillian Delaney (12) believes Clark is making a breakthrough for women’s sports.
“She has paved the way and become a cornerstone in the progression of women’s sports. I learned about her from last year’s women’s March Madness,” Delaney said.
Through years of hard work, Clark first made a mark during the 2022-2023 season in the March Madness competition by breaking many records during this tournament. By perfecting her shot range, offensive skills and aggressiveness on the court, she communicates with her teammates well to win their games. Many reports and fans believe that Clark is reviving women’s sports. In the past years, viewers preferred to watch the men’s varsity games over the women’s, with the average of only eight students at a women’s basketball game compared to the full student section at the men’s. Clark’s uprising has helped even out those numbers drastically, with over 9.9 million viewers watching online and the sellout game of 19,000 people at the championships in March of 2023. It isn’t only women’s basketball that Clark has brought to attention. By creating a role model for young athletes to look up to, women’s volleyball and softball have also had an increase in viewers across the country.
Leslie Boyd, head varsity girls’ basketball coach at Spartanburg High School, is inspired by Caitlin Clark and hopes others are too.
“Caitlin Clark is a must-watch player. Women’s basketball was already on an upward fan interest when Caitlin Clark started college ball, but she has just amplified viewings. Her game and abilities have taking over conversations when talking about women’s basketball. Caitlin is one of a kind, and I hope we continue to see impactful players like her in women sports,” Boyd said.
