Caitlin Clark wins Sullivan Award for second time
Leave it to Caitlin Clark to continue to make history and re-write the record books. The Iowa standout did just that on Tuesday when she was named the winner of the James E. Sullivan Award. The honor has been around for 94 years and this is the first time that it has been won by the same person two years in a row.
The AAU Sullivan Award has been presented annually by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) since 1930 to the most outstanding athlete at the collegiate or Olympic level in the United States. In addition to athletic excellence, the AAU Sullivan Award recognizes the qualities of leadership, citizenship, character, and sportsmanship on and off the playing surface. Clark was determined the winner following a public vote, as well as votes from the AAU Sullivan Award Committee, AAU Board of Directors, sports media, and past winners. She was presented the award during a special ceremony on Tuesday at the New York Athletic Club.
Clark, who will now play for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, is the NCAA basketball all-time leading scorer and the only player in NCAA D1 Men’s or Women’s basketball history to lead her conference in scoring and assists in four consecutive seasons. Clark led the nation in 10 different offensive categories including averaging 31.6 points and 8.9 assists per game and also broke the NCAA women’s tournament scoring record in final NCAA Tournament run.
“Caitlin has accomplished something no other athlete has done by being a two-time AAU Sullivan Award winner, and we couldn’t be prouder,” said Jo Mirza, AAU President. “Beyond the court, her impact on women’s basketball and women’s sports in general cannot be overstated. She’s an incredible role model for our AAU athletes.”
The other finalists for this year’s award included Olympic wrestler David Taylor, Olympic speed skater Emery Lehman, Team USA gymnast Frederick Richard, Texas Volleyball champion Madisen Skinner, and U.S. Paralympic swimmer Noah Jaffe.
Prior winners of the prestigious AAU Sullivan Award include fellow University of Iowa athlete Spencer Lee (wrestling, 2019), Olympians Michael Phelps (swimming, 2003) and Shawn Johnson (gymnastics, 2008) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (football, 1997).
