They call it the “Caitlin Clark Effect.”
Guard Caitlin Clark is a generational talent and scoring phenom, with her ability to make deep shots on the regular launching her to the top of the all-time scoring list, ahead of both Lynette Woodard and the late Pete Maravich, the men’s leading scorer.
Since she first stepped onto a women’s NCAA college basketball court in 2020, women’s basketball has surged into popularity. Millions have tuned in or traveled hundreds of miles to see her play, and Iowa Hawkeyes game tickets were up 200% over the previous year in her last season as a collegiate player. And it’s not just women’s basketball that has benefited from her star power: The all-time leading scorer has helped boost interest in women’s sports to an all-time high.
So, what made the legendary Caitlin Clark the best shooter in college basketball and now the reigning Rookie of the Year in the WNBA? Let’s take a look at some of her most impressive moments.
Don’t miss out on Clark’s sophomore campaign with the Indiana Fever. Watch WNBA basketball on DIRECTV all season long!
Caitlin Clark Abilities and Highlights
Clark is in a league of her own when it comes to playmaking and scoring on the court. Here’s what makes her so special:
Unmatched Scoring Abilities
Clark has the uncanny ability to make shots that other players can’t, or at least not as consistently. She regularly sinks baskets from inside the logo paint near center court. This ability and her 40% three-pointer success rate had led to her scoring north of 1,000 points in both her junior and senior year NCAA seasons. She also has the second most all-time triple-doubles in college basketball, at 17.
And she’s carried this scoring prowess over into her WNBA career with the Indiana Fever: she was seventh in overall points and led the league in both assists and three-pointers during the 2024 season.
Perception and Basketball IQ
Clark also boasts a particularly complete game, performing just as well when making those long shots as she does when driving through the paint to finish at the rim or deceptively and masterfully working the midrange. She also possesses sky-high basketball IQ, allowing her to quickly pick up on cues, spot openings and pivot her strategy on the fly.
Leadership and Inspiration
Clark is one of those rare players whose presence and performance often inspires the rest of her team and helps them build the momentum they need to secure victory.
Did Caitlin Clark Quit the WNBA to Play in Europe?
Recently, rumors and articles on the internet have been claiming that Caitlin Clark is leaving the WNBA to go play in the Europe League, where salaries are typically higher. Fortunately for fans of #22 everywhere, these rumors appear to be unfounded. In fact, Clark was named WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2024, and she has numerous lucrative sponsorships in the U.S, including a massive deal with Nike.
Much of these rumors were spread through misleading social media posts and articles, but rest assured, Caitlin Clark remains a WNBA player. She did reportedly receive an offer for a $1 million contract in the WNBA’s chief rival league in the United States, Minnesota Lynx player Napheesa Collier’s Unrivaled, but turned it down.
Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Records
Clark has set numerous records in NCAA basketball, but how is she faring in the WNBA by that measure? Here’s a look at some of the WNBA records she has already laid claim to:
- First rookie since 2008 to be named to the All-WNBA first team.
- Most points by a point guard in a season.
- Most points by a rookie in league history.
- Most assists by a rookie in league history.
- Most double-doubles by a rookie guard.
- First triple-double by a rookie in league history
- First triple-double ever scored for the Indiana Fever.
- 1st player in league history with 20+ points, 15+ assists and 5+ rebounds in one game.
- Rookie season scoring record
- Most assists in a single season.
- Most assists by a rookie in a single season.
- Most three-pointers by a rookie in a single season
- Most assists in a single game in league history
- Fastest player to score 100 three-pointers in league history.
There’s plenty more, but those are some of the highlights. She’s almost certain to shatter more records in season.
Who are the All-Time Scorers in Women’s College Basketball?
Caitlin Clark is among good company at the top of the all-time scoring charts. Many of her peers on the list are active in the WNBA. Here’s the top 10 all-time scoring leaders in women’s college basketball:
- Caitlin Clark, Iowa, 3,771
- Kelsey Plum, Washington, 3,527
- Kelsey Mitchell, Ohio State, 3,402
- Jackie Stiles, Missouri State, 3,393
- Dyaisha Fair, Buffalo/Syracuse, 3,351
- Brittney Griner, Baylor, 3,283
- Patricia Hoskins, Mississippi Valley State, 3,122
- Laurie Bauman, Drake, 3,115
- Jerica Coley, Florida International, 3,107
- Rachel Banham, Minnesota, 3,093
Who are the All-Time Scorers in NCAA Basketball?
And here’s the list including both men’s and women’s basketball leading scorers:
- Caitlin Clark, Iowa, 3,771
- Pete Maravich, LSU, 3,667
- Antoine Davis, Detroit Mercy, 3,664
- Kelsey Plum, Washington, 3,527
- Kelsey Mitchell, Ohio State, 3,402
- Jackie Stiles, Missouri State, 3,393
- Dyaisha Fair, Buffalo/Syracuse, 3,351
- Brittney Griner, Baylor, 3,283
- Freeman Williams, Portland State, 3,249
- Chris Clemons, Campbell, 3,225
Watch WNBA on DIRECTV
Don’t miss a single Caitlin Clark signature logo-3, lay-up, or full court press during the 2025 WNBA season. You can watch every game on DIRECTV.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many points does Caitlin Clark have?
This number changes but at the time of this print she has 3,771 points.
Will Caitlin Clark play in the WNBA?
Caitlin Clark has announced her eligibility for the WNBA draft and is expected to play for the Indiana Fever.
How tall is Caitlin Clark?
Caitlin Clark is 6'0".
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