Caitlin Clark Surpasses Lynette Woodard in Major College Basketball Record

February 29, 2024

Caitlin Clark Surpasses Lynette Woodard in Major College Basketball Record

MINNEAPOLIS -- In a sea of black-and-gold-clad fans filling Williams Arena, totaling 14,625, there was a collective plea for one more 3-pointer from Caitlin Clark towards the end of Wednesday's game, and she didn't disappoint, marking another historic achievement.

The Iowa guard continued her remarkable journey by surpassing Kansas Jayhawks icon Lynette Woodard for the all-time scoring record in major-college women's basketball during the No. 6 Hawkeyes' dominant 108-60 win over Minnesota.

Clark reached her 33rd and final point of the game with her eighth successful 3-pointer, clocking in at the 4:29 mark of the fourth quarter, elevating her total points to 3,650. Woodard, who competed in the final years of the AIAW from 1977 to '81, previously held the record with 3,649 points.

Reflecting on the accomplishment, Clark expressed gratitude for the foundation laid by past stars like Woodard, emphasizing the opportunities created for players to perform in such environments and in front of passionate crowds.

"I believe it speaks volumes about the legacy these players have established for us," remarked Clark regarding the influence of past luminaries like Woodard. "It's thanks to them that we have the chance to compete night in and night out in arenas like this, with audiences as fervent as this one.

"I wouldn't be able to accomplish what I do on a nightly basis without individuals like her paving the way. There are countless exceptional players who have left their mark. I'm simply honored and appreciative to follow in their footsteps."

In response to inquiries about Caitlin Clark's achievement in surpassing the scoring record, Lynette Woodard shared her perspective with ESPN, stating, "I understand what this accomplishment means to her because I've been in a similar position. If we ever have the chance to talk, I would offer her some wisdom, and I hope that day will come.

"I have immense respect for her as a player, and I would love to meet her. However, any conversation between us would remain private, as I could share insights that are known to nobody else. She's the only one who would truly comprehend my words because she's experiencing it."

In addition to breaking the NCAA women's all-time scoring record, Caitlin Clark set a new single-season 3-point record with 156 for the current season and 503 in her career. During Wednesday's game, the Iowa team collectively achieved a Big Ten single-game record of 22 3-pointers, marking their 10th 100-point game of the season. The Hawkeyes, currently 25-4 overall and 14-3 in the Big Ten (tied for second), have been consistently impressive.

Notably, Clark secured her 17th career triple-double in the same game, amassing 33 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. She now stands second only to Oregon's Sabrina Ionescu, who achieved 26 triple-doubles from 2016 to '20. Of significance, it was Clark's sixth triple-double with at least 30 points, setting a new Division I record. Iowa has emerged victorious in every game where Clark recorded a triple-double.

Reflecting on her versatile performance, Clark humorously remarked, "Maybe I should do that every time. Being able to contribute in various ways, especially on the defensive glass and transitioning into offense, is when we excel. And honestly, that leads to a lot of my assists and points."

Earlier in February, Clark surpassed Kelsey Plum's NCAA women's scoring record of 3,527 points. On Wednesday, she once again broke that record with a 3-pointer. Looking ahead, Clark aims for the NCAA overall scoring record of 3,667 points, held by LSU's Pete Maravich from 1967 to '70, a feat achieved in just 83 games during an era without freshman eligibility.

While acknowledging the significance of approaching Maravich's record, Clark emphasized her immediate focus on the upcoming game against Big Ten-leading Ohio State, stating, "My primary goal is to concentrate on Ohio State, but it's incredibly special to be mentioned alongside these incredibly talented players who have made significant contributions to basketball as a whole."

The historical context of AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) records has also been brought into the spotlight. Lynette Woodard, Pete Maravich, and others set records before the introduction of the 3-point line in college basketball. Woodard held the AIAW small school/overall record at 3,884 points, a record recognized separately in the NCAA's Final Four Record Book. Iowa coach Lisa Bluder emphasized the importance of acknowledging Woodard's achievements within the rich AIAW history of schools like Iowa.

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Caitlin Clark Surpasses Lynette Woodard in Major College Basketball Record

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