University of Iowa Hawkeyes’ basketball star Caitlin Clark is driving record levels of attendance at women’s games, just as the men’s and women’s March Madness tournaments are about to begin.
The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) championship tournaments, referred to as March Madness, are among the most celebrated U.S. sports traditions. It’s when millions of viewers, led by devoted college-student fans, tune in for games that generate a level of madness. Teams must win to advance, and often lesser-known teams displace presumed champions.
More than 60 teams on the men’s and women’s sides will compete in dozens of games played across the country from March 19 to April 8.
The men’s tournament, played every year since 1939 except during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the biggest draw. But this year, the women’s tournament will likely attract comparable enthusiasm.
Congratulations to Caitlin Clark on making history as the NCAA all-time leading scorer. With 3,685 points and counting, you’ve made your school proud.
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 4, 2024
On March 3, Clark, a senior point guard, broke the NCAA’s all-time career scoring record, previously held by “Pistol Pete” Maravich, who played at Louisiana State University (LSU) in the 1960s, before a hall of fame professional career. The previous women’s scoring record holders were Kelsey Plum, who played at the University of Washington from 2013 to 2017 before beginning a professional career, and Lynette Woodard, who played at the University of Kansas from 1978 to 1981, before women’s basketball was affiliated with the NCAA.
Clark’s dynamic play highlights the women’s evolving game. She can score from almost anywhere, sinking three-pointers launched from near center court. When defenses try to adjust, Clark zips pinpoint passes to teammates for easy baskets.
She averaged more than 30 points and nine assists per game this year, leading the NCAA in both categories for the second time in her career. She is the only woman to lead the NCAA in those two categories in a single season. Clark also averages more than seven rebounds a game.
Clark is far from the only player bringing excitement to the women’s game. The NCAA women’s tournament also showcases freshman phenoms JuJu Watkins, of the University of Southern California, and Hannah Hidalgo, of Notre Dame. Other top teams include the Ohio State Buckeyes, Stanford Cardinals, defending champion LSU Tigers and the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks.
The top teams competing in the men’s tournament this year include the Purdue Boilermakers, the Houston Cougars, the Tennessee Volunteers, the North Carolina Tar Heels and the defending champion Connecticut Huskies.
The men’s tournament often delivers a so-called Cinderella team that advances further than expected, winning over fans. Last year the San Diego State Aztecs entered the tournament as unlikely contenders but advanced to the finals before losing to Connecticut.
This story was written by freelance writer Fred Bowen.