Caitlin Clark discusses opportunity to become NCAA's all-time scoring leader

Caitlin Clark is on the cusp of history. On Wednesday, the Iowa standout discussed the possibly of shattering the NCAA’s all-time scoring record this season.

“I knew I was probably going to have a chance to break it, but it’s not something I’m going to be, like, actively seeking out,” Clark told the media. “Obviously, I’m sure our coaches will tell me if I’m at a game where I get close to that number, which would probably be one of our regular season games or in conference tournament. But I think if I just continue to be the player I am and do the things I’ve always done, that will come.”

Clark’s strategy has worked so far. In three seasons at Iowa, Clark has amassed 2,717 points, averaging 27.2 points per game. Moreover, Clark is efficient, posting a 46.5% career field-goal percentage and 37.7% rate from beyond the arc.

Last season was Clark’s best yet. The Iowa native became the first player in Division I women’s basketball history to record more than 1,000 points and 300 assists in the same season. With 2,717 career points, Clark is just 800 points away from breaking Kelsey Plum’s collegiate record.

Caitlin Clark follows a hero’s footsteps

While the record is well within Clark’s reach, she isn’t concerned about the individual accomplishment.

“Yeah, it’s not anything — like, I’ll live just as happy a life if I never break Kelsey Plum’s record,” Clark said. “But I loved Kelsey Plum growing up. She obviously took Washington, which was a team very similar to Iowa who was really good. Had a great coach in Mike Neighbors. Had really great players and really hadn’t been to the Final Four. And took a program that wasn’t — hadn’t always been there, and they did it.

“She was somebody that I kind of idolized, so it’s cool to kind of be in that position. She’s somebody I even watch still in the WNBA as she plays for the Aces, has had a really successful career, and one of my favorite players.”

Clark knows about taking unlikely programs to the Final Four. Last season, the 6-foot flamethrower carried the Hawkeyes to the National Championship, defeating No. 1 overall seed South Carolina in the process.

Redefining the game

Although Clark and Co. ultimately fell to the LSU Tigers 102-85, she changed the game. The contest was the most-watched women’s college hoops game on record, with a combined 9.9 million viewers. The number obliterated records which were set nearly 20 years ago.

If Clark can make history again, there’s no telling the attention she will receive. For now, the budding star is simply focusing on one day at a time.

“It’s not something I’m counting down the numbers to at all, and if I never get there, that’ll be fine,” Clark said. “But I know it’s a possibility for me this year.”