Current:Home > StocksCaitlin Clark of Iowa is the AP Player of the Year in women’s hoops for the 2nd straight season-InfoLens
Caitlin Clark of Iowa is the AP Player of the Year in women’s hoops for the 2nd straight season
View Date:2024-12-23 17:38:35
Caitlin Clark is capping her illustrious college career with another record-breaking season and another set of prestigious awards.
The star guard from Iowa was honored Thursday as The Associated Press Player of the Year in women’s basketball for the second consecutive year.
Clark received 35 votes from the 36-member national media panel that votes on the AP Top 25 each week. Cameron Brink of Stanford received the other vote. Voting was done before March Madness began.
The 22-year-old Clark is the sixth player to win the award more than once and fifth to do it in consecutive seasons.
The NCAA Division I career scoring leader set numerous records while helping Iowa reach the Final Four for a second consecutive season. A semifinal matchup with UConn awaits on Friday night in Cleveland.
Clark’s play with her logo-depth 3-pointers and dazzling passes has captured the hearts of fans who showed up by the thousands wearing her No. 22 jersey whether Iowa was at home or on the road all season.
“I think that’s the best part about what I get to do. I grew up having those role models and aspiring to be where I am today,” Clark said. “It’s super special to see your impact not only in the state of Iowa but across the country. ... To be able to have that impact on the next generation is really special, and you just hope to dream and aspire to be like you one day and chase after all their dreams.”
Opposing coaches have called her a generational talent and tried to stifle her creativity and scoring, but she averaged 31.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists during the regular season to help Iowa go 29-4 and earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Her games have become appointment viewing for millions — the Elite Eight rematch with LSU earlier this week was seen by more than 12 million, a record for any women’s college basketball game — and raised the profile of the sport even higher as it enjoys a surge in popularity. She is the presumptive No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft later this month, a slot held by the Indiana Fever.
Clark has been quick to credit her teammates and coach, and note that the women’s game had stars like Lynette Woodard and Pearl Moore and many others long before she started dazzling fans in an era where scores of games are easily found on TV every season.
Her college career will be come to an end this weekend and it has been quite a ride for the West Des Moines native.
“I feel like I’ve talked about her, like used every word imaginable to describe her,” coach Lisa Bluder said. “She is spectacular. I don’t know how else to describe what she does on the basketball court.”
___
AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket/ and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness
veryGood! (92)
Related
- Mechanic dies after being 'trapped' under Amazon delivery van at Florida-based center
- It's not easy to change in baseball. But that's what the Detroit Tigers did, amazingly
- Why Olivia Munn's New Photo of Her and John Mulaney's Baby Girl Marks a Milestone in Her Health Journey
- ACLU lawsuit details DWI scheme rocking Albuquerque police
- Sofia Richie Reveals 5-Month-Old Daughter Eloise Has a Real Phone
- Aphrodisiacs are known for improving sex drive. But do they actually work?
- Alec Baldwin movie 'Rust' set to premiere 3 years after on-set shooting
- Score Bestselling Free People Deals Under $50: Up to 80% Off Chic Styles From Under $20 for Limited Time
- Why Officials Believe a Missing Kayaker Faked His Own Death and Ran Off to Europe
- Will gas prices, supplies be affected by the port strike? What experts say
Ranking
- Northern Taurid meteor shower hits peak activity this week: When and where to watch
- Influential prophesizing pastors believe reelecting Trump is a win in the war of angels and demons
- Love Is Blind's Hannah Reveals Her True Thoughts on Leo's Shouting Match
- The Grammys’ voting body is more diverse, with 66% new members. What does it mean for the awards?
- COINIXIAI Introduce
- Black bear found dead on Tennessee highway next to pancakes
- Jax Taylor Gives Brittany Cartwright Full Custody of Son Cruz in New Divorce Filing
- NHL predictions for 2024-25 season: Who will win Stanley Cup, top awards?
Recommendation
-
The state that cleared the way for sports gambling now may ban ‘prop’ bets on college athletes
-
'Survivor' Season 47, Episode 3: Who was voted out during this week's drama-filled episode?
-
Toyota Tacoma transmission problems identified in 2024 model, company admits
-
Target's 2024 top toy list with LEGO, Barbie exclusives; many toys under $20
-
Mechanic dies after being 'trapped' under Amazon delivery van at Florida-based center
-
Casey, McCormick to meet for first debate in Pennsylvania’s battleground Senate race
-
Thousands of shipping containers have been lost at sea. What happens when they burst open?
-
Deadly Maui fire sparked from blaze believed to have been extinguished, report says