College basketball star Caitlin Clark was named the 2024 Wooden Award recipient Tuesday as the most outstanding player in women’s college basketball.
This year marks the second consecutive year the Hawkeyes star has won the award, ahead of finalists Paige Backers, Cameron Brink, JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo.
“I think the biggest thing is just how fortunate and lucky I am. This award never gets old,” Clark said in an interview on “SportsCenter” after the announcement. “I’m very fortunate to play at a university that has a team like mine and supports women’s basketball, and the last two seasons we’ve had together have been really special. .
“I know time passes quickly, but the biggest thing I’ve tried to tell myself is how grateful I am and how many people would love to be in my shoes.” I think that’s the case. That’s why I try my best in everything I do.”
Clark has become one of the biggest names in women’s basketball over the past two years, leading Iowa to back-to-back Final Four appearances, losing to LSU in 2023 and South Carolina last season, all while losing to history. contributed to attracting attention and evaluation of the women’s game.
Clark’s historic 2023-24 season saw her finish with 3,951 points (the most of any Division I player, male or female), breaking the previously held NCAA women’s career scoring record and breaking the long-standing record. Pete Maravich. Kelsey Plum.
“There are a lot of moments that are hard to judge.” clark said When reflecting on the Mount Rushmore moments of her college career. “But I think even I appreciate all the moments in between. Not just on the court. Whether it’s the interactions with young fans or the playful moments with teammates in the locker room.
“All of those things are things that I will cherish forever.”
The former Hawkeyes superstar is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft on Monday in Brooklyn.
