By: Alyssa Smith, Sports Management, ’26
University of Iowa’s basketball star, Caitlin Clark, breaks the NCAA scoring record on Thursday against University of Michigan. Clark’s 3 point shot just 132 seconds into the game was what broke Kelsey Plum’s record, but in 13 fewer games. Not only does her athletic skills have an impact on Women’s NCAA basketball but it is also her sportsmanship and dedication to breaking barriers and standards for all women in sports.
Caitlin’s outstanding performance came with no surprise, as her previous coaches and teammates always knew she was going somewhere one day. Clark’s high school coach even admitted to having to bring in high school guys who were a little stronger, just to give her real competition. Her freshman year at Iowa, she was averaging 26.6 points per game. Now flashing forward to today, in her senior year she is now averaging 32 points, 7 rebounds, and almost 8 assists per game.
Now the question is, how will Caitlin Clark’s success affect NCAA Women’s basketball? Will researchers start to see a higher attendance rate for all Women’s basketball games? Does her strong performance now hold Title IX to higher standards? Is Caitlin Clark going to be the turning point for Women’s and sports, and even further, more opportunities for NIL deals?
Caitlin Clark has become a new role model to younger female athletes who want to make it to where she is one day. Caitlin has an advantage as she is playing during a time where Title IX has been growing and developing over 50 years. With the evolution of Title IX, Caitlin is playing in a time where instead of young role models hoping there will be a Women’s team when they grow up to now think I hope I am skilled enough to make the Women’s team. Title IX was passed in 1972 and since then, women in sports have gotten access to greater coaches, arenas, and more recently NIL deals. For the first time ever and with the help of Caitlin Clark, young girls are able to grow up with a sense of entitlement to sports. Clark’s inspiration for young girls is shown through her efforts of signing autographs for young girls after the games, many of whom create posters for that are often seen on the television broadcast. Clark notes, “I remember going to games like this. I remember wanting to high-five, wanting an autograph, and wanting to catch a T-shirt. It does take a second to do and it makes their whole week. That’s how I was raised, to go out of your way to show kindness to somebody else.”
Similar to Steph Curry, Caitlin Clark has built a name for herself beyond her skills and that is why she has developed the “Caitlin Clark effect.” While both Steph and Caitlin have mastered their shot, they are both known to be selfless passers, proving not to be a ball hog.
I strongly believe Caitlin Clark is impacting Sports Marketing for women and she is the start to more opportunities for women in Sports. If you have an understanding of the latest news and events in basketball, you know Caitlin Clark. Caitlin Clark is one of the most known marketing influencers for both male and female right now. Caitlin Clark is on track to become the first Women in sports to be featured on all 4 broadcasting networks in just one season.
Not only is Clark making a name for herself on broadcasting networks but also she has created a movement towards attending the Women’s Basketball games in person. Caitlin has been the reason many of the teams she plays have a record breaking attendance. The 2023 National Championship game drew attendance numbers unlike ever before with over 10 million viewers. This attendance number is 103% higher than the attendance of the 2022 National Championship. This year in the Iowa versus Ohio State game, the game peaked at 3.9 million viewers during overtime of the game. Viewer numbers this high have not been since 2010, and a big reason for this is thanks to Caitlin Clark.
Caitlin Clark is making a name for herself outside of the basketball industry too and that is what makes her stand out from any of the other competition. Clark was the first college athlete to appear on the ManningCast for ESPN’s Monday Night Football hosted by the two brothers, Peyton and Eli Manning. Clark continues to get shoutouts and recognitions from big name male athletes, proving the support and effort towards women’s success in sports is rapidly evolving.
With Clark’s determination and drive to change the opinions on female sports, I know she will change women’s sport for the better. Caitlin Clark is an athlete the NCAA and all of athletics needed to break the barrier from how women’s sports were respected and previously viewed. Caitlin Clark will continue to spread her sportsmanship on and off the court, which will allow her to continue to market herself worldwide.