Although Clark missed out on the biggest award in U.S. college basketball history, her game captured the imagination of fans around the world.
Caitlin Clark believes the excitement surrounding her pioneering college basketball career heralds a bright future for women's sports in the United States as she prepares to join the professional ranks of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). ing.
The 22-year-old Iowa State phenom retired from college sports on Sunday following a disappointing 87-75 loss to South Carolina in the national championship game in Cleveland.
But there is a silver lining amidst the defeat, as Clark shattered attendance and TV ratings records with his record-breaking performance this year, garnering global media attention.
“When you think about the future of women's basketball, whether it's at the collegiate level or the WNBA level, it's obviously going to continue to grow,” Clark said of her legacy.
“Everyone looks at the ratings. Women's sports thrive when given the opportunity. That, for me, has been the best part of this journey.
“We started the season playing in front of 55,000 people and now we're going to finish the season in front of 15 million people in front of the television. It just keeps getting better and better and never stops.
“If we continue to give them a platform, things like this will continue to happen.”
Clark said she hopes Iowa State's success will encourage leagues and media companies to invest in women's sports.
“No matter what sport you are in, if you believe the same way and invest the same way, things will work out,” she said. “We see that in other sports as well. Continue to invest time, money and resources in those people and give them opportunities. I think that will be the driving force for women's sports in the future.”
Clark said he will forever cherish the fact that Iowa State brought a new generation of fans to the sport.
“People will remember the moments we shared at our games and on TV, and how excited their daughters and sons were to watch women's basketball,” Clark said.
“That's nice; that's what means the most to me.”
Clark, who was the leading scorer in Sunday's final with 30 points, admitted he thought he would cry as he mourned his second consecutive loss in the national title game.
“For me, the emotions are probably going to come over me for the next few days. I don't have a lot of time to sit around and sulk or be frustrated,” Clark said. “And I don’t think that’s my idea either.
“Yeah, it's disappointing to lose this game, but I'm very proud of my teammates and our program. We have a lot to be proud of.
“But it brings tears to my eyes. I'm sad it's all over and this is the last time I'll wear an Iowa jersey.”
Clark's accomplishments this season included breaking Pete Maravich's 54-year-old college basketball all-time scoring record, which many felt would never be broken.
She is virtually guaranteed to be selected with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever later this month, and could potentially join the U.S. team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
