Caitlin Clark was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 22, 2002. She is 6 feet tall and weighs 155 pounds. Clark is a point guard and has been recognized as one of the top recruits in her class. Throughout her collegiate career, she received various honors and trophies, including the Wade Trophy, John R. Wooden Title, Honda Sports Award, Naismith College Player of the Year, and USBWA National Player of the Year. She also earned the AP Player of the Year award.
Early Life and High School
With a younger brother named Colin and an older brother named Blake, who played college football at Iowa State, Clark was brought up in West Des Moines, Iowa. When she was five years old, she began playing basketball and was the only female on a males’ young team. In her sixth grade, Clark moved to join the All Iowa Attack basketball group headquartered in Ames, Iowa, with whom she played until graduating from high school.
By the ninth grade, she was competing against high school seniors. The Minnesota Lynx are the nearest WNBA club to Clark’s hometown, and she accompanied her father on a 3-and-a-half-hour trip to see them play after being inspired by their star player Maya Moore. In high school, Clark attended Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa. She was named a McDonald’s All-American and was among the top recruits in her class.
College Career
2020 saw Caitlin Clark join the Iowa Hawkeyes. She shared national freshman of the year honors in her first season with Iowa, led the NCAA Division I in scoring, and was an All-American. As a rookie, Clark was named to the first team of All-Americans by a unanimous vote and made history by being the first woman to lead Division I in both points and assists in a single season. Clark led Iowa to its first national championship game during her junior season, winning all the significant national Player of the Year accolades. Clark established Big Ten single-season records for points and assists while leading Division I in helps. As the best Division I player in her position, she has earned the Dawn Staley Award three times and the Nancy Lieberman Award twice.
Statistics
Clark’s statistics are as impressive as anyone else. In her first season with Iowa, she maintained a healthy and impressive average of 26.6 points, and 6.0 rebounds, with 6.7 helpful and effective assists per game. As a sophomore, the numbers stayed at 26.7 game-changing points, 5.9 rebounds, and 7.1 helpful assists in each game. Clark has also set numerous records, including the Big Ten single-season records for points and assists. She certainly has a long way to go ahead.
Draft Prospects
Clark is expected to be a top pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. Her impressive college career and statistics have made her a highly sought-after prospect. She has the potential to be a game-changer in the WNBA and could have a long and successful career.
