The 2023-2024 college basketball season was revolutionary for not only basketball, but for all women’s sports: and that is largely thanks to Caitlin Clark. Becoming the NCAA division one all time leading scorer during her senior season, Clark set a new standard for college basketball and inspired hundreds of thousands along the way. But no amount of fame comes without criticism, and Clark’s attitude has undoubtedly attracted that.
Clark’s fame took off during the 2023 March Madness tournament. Her unmatched scoring abilities and range made her unstoppable beyond the arc. She continued soaring to new heights the following season. On November 12th, just a few weeks into the season, Clark became Iowa’s all-time leading scorer and by March held the all-time college record. Along with her consistent high scoring games, social media brought attention to her rebellious behavior on the court
As Clark became a role model for many young fans, videos of Clark throwing her hands up and talking back to referees began circulating the internet and receiving major backlash. Not only has the media shown a reaction to Clark’s behavior, but her own father has been seen very upset in the stands when she retaliates against the referees. One video shows Mr. Clark saying, “Stop. Take her out. I mean it.” While it is true that Clark’s behavior during games is more obnoxious than many other women in D1 basketball, men’s college basketball is full of these rebellious actions, so why does Clark receive so much criticism?
When Clark cusses or overly celebrates on the court she is referred to as “classless” and “a poor role model”, but when a men’s player stares someone down, pounds their chest, or uses the same language they are seen as confident. Although Clark’s actions are frowned upon by many, I credit these actions for the dramatic rise in her fame.
It is not just the pull-up three from the logo that attracts attention, but also the celebration and competitive spirit that follows it. Women’s college basketball has lacked this level of play for many years until Caitlin Clark accompanied by a whole class of superstars arrived.
The infamous Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese rivalry has kept watchers on the edge of their seats ever since their matchup in the 2023 March Madness championship game. Reese’s fiery spirit matched that of Clark’s and often built off her coach, Kim Mulkey. Reese’s “you can’t see me” and ring finger celebration blew up the internet following the final game and led to the question, “What will happen next year?”.
This very question led to their matchup in the 2024 final four game being the most-watched women’s basketball game in history with 12.3 million viewers. It is no question that the game had the highest of tensions, but Clark and Reese shared a very classy interaction after the game. In other scenarios, this could’ve resulted in bad blood, but their sportsmanship shows a lot about the character of the two players.
The record books continued to evolve with the 2024 championship game: Iowa vs. the undefeated South Carolina. The game became the most viewed and had the highest average ticket in women’s basketball history with 18.7 million viewers and an average ticket of $481. Despite losing the championship game, Caitlin Clark reached the TV’s and hearts of millions of viewers that day.
“She makes everybody around her better. LSU coach Kim Mulkey said in a post-game interview. “Caitlin Clark can’t beat you by herself. It’s what she does to make those teammates better that helps her score….But I told her I’m sure glad you’re leaving.”
Fortunately, these viewers get a chance to continue seeing Clark’s talents put to use. Now headed to the WNBA with the Indiana Fever, Clark enters a new stage for her career and a new set of records to break. And more importantly, she brought a whole new generation of fans to the world of women’s sports.
“I don’t want my legacy to be, ‘Oh, Caitlin won X amount of games,’ or ‘Caitlin scored X amount of points. I hope it’s what I was able to for the game of women’s basketball.”
