Annelise Latham

In the 82-game 2004-05 season, then-Cleveland Cavaliers’ power forward LeBron James had a 40-point game, a 15-rebound game, a 7-steal game, a 7-three-point game and a triple-double. 

Iowa Hawkeyes’ point guard Caitlin Clark achieved this in 13 games.

Unsurprisingly, this is just one of many examples of Clark’s incredible athleticism. 

Clark also currently has six 25-point triple-doubles, which is the most in Division I history following center Brittney Griner’s three. 

Per Bleacher Report, Clark now has 3,354 career points (31.7 per game this season), taking her past Griner’s total of 3,283 during her 2009-2013 college career, which puts former Washington Huskies star Kelsey Plum’s all-time women’s college basketball scoring record of 3,527 within reach.

This also puts her in line to take over the men’s scoring record of 3,667 points set by Pete Maravich in 1970, set before the 3-point line existed.

But this season isn’t even the start of Clark’s astonishing playmaking.

Last season, CBS Sports details, Clark put together incredible statistics during the Women’s NCAA Tournament, specifically the first-ever 40-point triple-double. 

She then proceeded to break Iowa’s all-time scoring record on Nov. 12, 2023, against the Northern Iowa Panthers. 

 Not only is she breaking records on the court, but also off.

Clark recently became State Farm’s first collegiate athlete to get a NIL deal and has been seen in commercials with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, according to USA Today.

She’s also signed with other brand empires like Nike, Gatorade, Buick, Hy-Vee, H&R Block and more.

This begins to further pave the way for other female athletes, opening doors that have previously been effectively nailed shut.

But Clark’s immense talent and nationwide recognition also come with immense humility and kindness.

“She’s a phenomenal basketball player, she’s showed that time and time again,” said Iowa power forward Monika Czinano per USA Today, “But I think the biggest thing is the way she holds herself and the way she plays the game.”

Even after losing the chance at a national title to Louisiana State in April 2023 couldn’t shake Clark’s genuine love for her sport, her team and her fans. 

“I hope my legacy will be the impact that I can have on young kids and the people of the state of Iowa,” Clark told Sports Illustrated. “And I hope I brought them a lot of joy this season. I hope the team brought them a lot of joy.”