Iowa Hawkeyes senior point guard Caitlin Clark has taken the internet by storm over the last two years. Clark’s ability to make insane three-pointers has not only made her one of the most exciting basketball player to watch, but has set her up to be in recognition as one of the greatest women college basketball players of all time.

On March 3, 2024, Clark surpassed Pete Maravich for the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer. Maravich set the record prior to the leagues adopting the three-point line and a shot clock, and his accomplishments should not go unnoticed. With Clark surpassing Maravich, she then set her eyes on a rematch from last season’s National Championship Game against LSU; it was in the rematch where Iowa would become victorious winning 94-87. The senior standout registered 41 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds and the Hawkeyes advanced to the Final Four.

As a lifelong football fan, I primarily follow the sport at the high school, college and NFL levels. Basketball really never intrigued me until just recently. While my favorite entertainment of football is the NFL, the other two areas in high school and college produce exciting players and moments that make it extremely enjoyable.

Last year, a friend of mine who lives in Iowa mentioned how he was going to watch the women’s basketball game. At the time I just shrugged it off and didn’t pay any attention to it, but shortly after he mentioned Clark and how she was breaking countless records that have been set decades prior. To say I was intrigued would be an understatement.

The very first game I watched was on February 26, 2023 against number two Indiana where Iowa won a nailbiter 86-85 and Clark registered a team high 34 points. The very first shot that Clark had in her hands was a three-pointer that swished through the net. The crowd was electric from the start and the rest is truly history – I was hooked.

Following Clark’s journey this year gave me an opportunity to watch the majority of the full 2023-2024 season, and not just the tournament and the end of the regular season like last year. This time around I can follow a full schedule and experience the highs and lows that a basketball team with so much potential endures.

Clark turned me into a women’s basketball fan and will have me watching the entire tournament regardless if they make it all the way or not. Her ability to make insane shots and also how she conduct herself in such a professional way has certainly caught my attention. Even though there have been times where she complains on the court, it is easily fixed through her coaches and the family she surrounds herself with.

Being only 22-years-old and considered one of the greatest college women basketball players of recent history, or even the greatest college women’s basketball player of all time will come with growing pains on how one should handle adversity and challenges. Clark has exceeded expectations on and off the field and I am truly excited to watch her compete in the WNBA.

Thank you, Caitlin, for turning me into a college basketball fan and for adding just a little bit more excitement to my life, especially during the upcoming Championship run.