More for the trophy case: Caitlin Clark wins second AP Player of the Year award

Updated: 12:29 PM CDT Apr 4, 2024

Caitlin Clark is capping her illustrious college career with another record-breaking season and another set of prestigious awards.The star guard from Iowa was honored Thursday as The Associated Press Player of the Year in women’s basketball for the second consecutive year. Clark received 35 votes from the 36-member national media panel that votes on the AP Top 25 each week. Cameron Brink of Stanford received the other vote. Voting was done before March Madness began.The 22-year-old Clark is the sixth player to win the award more than once and fifth to do it in consecutive seasons.The NCAA Division I career scoring leader set numerous records while helping Iowa reach the Final Four for a second consecutive season. A semifinal matchup with UConn awaits on Friday night in Cleveland.Clark’s play with her logo-depth 3-pointers and dazzling passes has captured the hearts of fans who showed up by the thousands wearing her No. 22 jersey whether Iowa was at home or on the road all season.”I think that’s the best part about what I get to do. I grew up having those role models and aspiring to be where I am today,” Clark said. “It’s super special to see your impact not only in the state of Iowa but across the country. … To be able to have that impact on the next generation is really special, and you just hope to dream and aspire to be like you one day and chase after all their dreams.”Opposing coaches have called her a generational talent and tried to stifle her creativity and scoring, but she averaged 31.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists during the regular season to help Iowa go 29-4 and earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.Her games have become appointment viewing for millions — the Elite Eight rematch with LSU earlier this week was seen by more than 12 million, a record for any women’s college basketball game — and raised the profile of the sport even higher as it enjoys a surge in popularity. She is the presumptive No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft later this month, a slot held by the Indiana Fever.Clark has been quick to credit her teammates and coach, and note that the women’s game had stars like Lynette Woodard and Pearl Moore and many others long before she started dazzling fans in an era where scores of games are easily found on TV every season.Her college career will be come to an end this weekend and it has been quite a ride for the West Des Moines native.”I feel like I’ve talked about her, like used every word imaginable to describe her,” coach Lisa Bluder said. “She is spectacular. I don’t know how else to describe what she does on the basketball court.”More Hawkeyes coverage:Round 1: Hawkeyes run away from Holy CrossMarch Madness: Highlights and photos from Iowa’s win over Holy CrossRound of 32: Hawkeyes survive to top West Virginia, 64-54March Madness: Highlights and photos from Iowa-West VirginiaSweet 16: Hawkeyes have no problem with Colorado, set up rematch vs. LSUMarch Madness: Highlights and photos from Iowa-Colorado in the Sweet 16Elite Eight: Clark, Hawkeyes prove to be elite against LSUMarch Madness: Highlights and photos from Iowa-LSU in the Elite Eight Caitlin Clark’s awards for 2023-24 seasonAP Player of the YearNaismith Player of the YearESPN.com National Player of the YearThe Athletic National Player of the YearSporting News National Player of the YearAP First Team All-AmericaUSBWA First Team All-AmericaBig Ten Player of the YearFirst Team All-Big TenBig Ten Player of the Week; Nov. 13, Nov. 27, Dec. 11, Dec. 18, Jan. 2, Jan. 8, Jan. 15, Feb. 5, Feb. 19, Feb. 26, March 4.WBCA National Player of the Week; Nov. 14, Nov. 28, Jan. 3, Jan. 9, Jan. 16, Jan. 31, Feb. 6, Feb. 20.AP National Player of the Week; Nov. 14, Jan. 9, Feb. 20.Source: University of IowaAssociated Press Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year award winners2024: Caitlin Clark, Iowa2023: Caitlin Clark, Iowa2022: Aliyah Boston, South Carolina2021: Paige Bueckers, Connecticut2020: Sabrina Ionescu, Oregon2019: Megan Gustafson, Iowa2018: A’ja Wilson, South Carolina2017: Kelsey Plum, Washington2016: Breanna Stewart, Connecticut2015: Breanna Stewart, Connecticut2014: Breanna Stewart, Connecticut2013: Brittney Griner, Baylor2012: Brittney Griner, Baylor2011: Maya Moore, Connecticut2010: Tina Charles, Connecticut2009: Maya Moore, Connecticut2008: Candace Parker, Tennessee2007: Candace Parker, Tennessee2006: Seimone Augustus, LSU2005: Seimone Augustus, LSU2004: Alana Beard, Duke2003: Diana Taurasi, Connecticut2002: Sue Bird, Connecticut2001: Ruth Riley, Notre Dame2000: Tamika Catchings, Tennessee1999: Chamique Holdsclaw, Tennessee1998: Chamique Holdsclaw, Tennessee1997: Kara Wolters, Connecticut1996: Jennifer Rizzotti, Connecticut1995: Rebecca Lobo, Connecticut