Lynette Woodard, the previous all-time scoring leader in major women’s college basketball, believes her record still stands despite Caitlin Clark of the Iowa Hawkeyes closing in on it. Woodard, who scored 3,649 points in four seasons with the Kansas Jayhawks from 1977 to 1981, argues that her total should remain the record due to the absence of a three-point line and other regulations at that time. Woodard feels that her record was “hidden” for 43 years and is now speaking out about it at the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association convention, coinciding with the women’s Final Four.
Caitlin Clark, the standout player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, has been using the three-pointer to her advantage throughout her college career, draining 543 of them heading into the national championship game against South Carolina. With 3,921 points and counting, Clark has surpassed Woodard’s total, prompting discussion about the validity of her record-breaking achievement. Despite this, both Woodard and Clark have shown mutual respect and admiration for each other, with Woodard acknowledging Clark’s talent and giving her flowers at a game in Iowa City where she broke the record. Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder has also advocated for Woodard’s points total to be acknowledged by the NCAA.
As Caitlin Clark plays her final game for the Iowa Hawkeyes against South Carolina, her points total will continue to climb, solidifying her status as a top player in women’s college basketball. With impressive career averages of 28.4 points and 8.3 assists per game, Clark is set to be the WNBA’s projected No. 1 pick later this year. Woodard’s legacy as the previous all-time scoring leader remains a point of contention, with her argument that her record should stand due to the differences in rules and regulations during her playing career.
The debate surrounding Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking achievement and Lynette Woodard’s legacy highlights the evolution of women’s college basketball and the changing dynamics of the game over the years. While Woodard’s accomplishments were achieved under different conditions, Clark’s success reflects the modern era of the sport, with an emphasis on three-point shooting and fast-paced gameplay. Both players have had significant impacts on women’s basketball and their mutual respect for each other underscores the camaraderie and shared experiences within the basketball community.
As the national championship game against South Carolina approaches, Caitlin Clark’s historic career at Iowa comes to a close, with her legacy as one of the greatest college basketball players secure. While Woodard’s record still holds significance, Clark’s achievements represent the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to her craft. The debate over records and scoring totals in women’s basketball serves as a reminder of the sport’s rich history and the ongoing evolution of the game as new stars like Clark emerge to leave their mark on the court. As both players continue to inspire future generations of female athletes, their contributions to the game will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
