Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is ready to enjoy her final college game with the weight of the world ‘off her shoulders’
Iowa State basketball star Caitlin Clark is on track to become college basketball’s all-time leading scorer, and her decision to leave the University of Iowa in favor of the 2024 WNBA Draft marks the end of her career with her teammates. He said he will be able to fully enjoy the match. . .
“I think going to Senior Night and making that decision clear was very important, not just for me but for the fans and my teammates,” Clark said of his decision to make his intentions public. “And to be honest, I don’t know, but just being able to take the weight of the world off my shoulders and enjoy the last month with my teammates, I think that’s the most important thing, and I kind of know that in my heart. I think so.”
Clark announced Thursday that he will forgo his fifth year of college eligibility to enter next month’s WNBA Draft. Her decision comes as she prepares to break the NCAA scoring record in college basketball, with her senior team needing just 18 points to make history.
With 3,650 career points, the 22-year-old guard ranks second only to the legendary Pete Maravich, who scored 3,667 points in just three seasons at LSU from 1967 to 1970.
Clark has made a habit of breaking records this season. On Wednesday, the 22-year-old passed Lynette Woodward for the most in major women’s college basketball history, dating back to 1981, when women’s college teams played in the Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics Association rather than the NCAA. Recorded the score.
Earlier this season, Clark passed Kelsey Plumb as NCAA women’s basketball’s all-time leading scorer. Her new records cover the period before and after the NCAA became a sponsor of women’s sports.
“After this game this weekend, we are only guaranteed two more games. So I don’t think there’s any reason to be stressed about enjoying every second and playing and having fun because those moments go by so quickly,” Clark said Friday. “And I think the most important thing for me is just to smile and have fun, and that’s when I really play my best basketball. I’m very excited. ”
While looking forward to “starting a new chapter,” Clark said he doesn’t lose sight of the Hawkeyes’ path forward, saying his main goal right now is to finish this season with a national title.
“My goal here is obviously to win a national title. It’s simple and clear. This is what I want to do,” Clark said with determination. “And to be honest, I don’t really think about the future of the WNBA or ‘what happens when.’ All of this is going to happen at the end of our season, and hopefully it brings us a national title.” I hope so.
Clark said he expects Sunday’s Senior Day celebration following the game between the No. 6 Hawkeyes and the No. 2 Buckeyes to be emotional.
“It’s bittersweet,” she said. “But my main goal is to beat Ohio State. I think we’re all really looking forward to getting another chance from them.”
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