Current:Home > MarketsLynette Woodard talks Caitlin Clark's scoring record, why she's so excited for what's next -WealthRise Academy
Lynette Woodard talks Caitlin Clark's scoring record, why she's so excited for what's next
View
Date:2025-04-22 16:29:50
Lynette Woodard has never followed the pack. She’s a trailblazer whose accomplishments are cemented within basketball lore. The record-setting, four-time All-American guard for the University of Kansas went on to capture an Olympic gold medal, became the first female member of the Harlem Globetrotters, and helped launch the WNBA as a starter for the Cleveland Rockers during the league's inaugural 1997 campaign.
Now, the Hall of Famer is embracing the moment and hype as Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark nears college basketball's all-time scoring record, held by "Pistol" Pete Maravich with his 3,667 career points. In February, Clark surpassed Woodard and Kelsey Plum to become the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I women's college basketball. She needs 18 points to set the mark.
“Just the excitement surrounding (the record), it’s so beautiful for me,” Woodard told USA TODAY Sports on Friday. “I think records are made to be broken. One day, it’s going to happen again, (and) I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Woodard becomes downright giddy when speaking about Clark and the impact she is having on the basketball landscape.
“(She is) drawing in so many different people from different walks of life,” Woodard said. “Not just the sporting world, not just the fans, but I guarantee you every household out here knows Caitlin Clark’s name."
Woodard, who scored 3,649 in four seasons at Kansas, said she sees just how integral Clark and her ascension has been to the growth of the sport.
“I stepped outside my door (and) I had to smile,” Woodard said. “There was a young girl across the street – little biddy thing, dribbling with two hands, just bent over the ball. To see her with the basketball in her hand – those are the seeds that are being planted right now, and it’s a beautiful thing.”
No matter the Clark vs. Maravich debate, comparing their different eras and parsing how many games each took to reach their records, there is one huge fan in Kansas who is excited to witness Clark's historic moment, which is poised to come Sunday when Iowa hosts Ohio State (1 p.m. ET, Fox).
“I think it’s a big deal, I’m Team Caitlin,” Woodard said. “Hey, keep pushing, young lady, keep pushing.”
During March Madness, all eyes will be focused on the 22-year-old Clark, who already owns a mantle full of awards. Then, all that attention will shift to her professional career. She announced on Thursday that she will enter the 2024 WNBA draft, scheduled for April 15. The Indiana Fever hold the No. 1 pick.
“It’s not just the basketball world, it’s the world," Woodard said. "The (whole) world will be watching.”
Whether Clark can change the WNBA like she did college basketball remains to be seen. But Woodard called Clark "the zenith" and was succinct and effusive in her praise of Clark’s marksmanship: “Range! Range! Range!”
“She is going to be shooting from way out there,” Woodard said. “(But) she is a great passer as well. She can dish that dime.”
There is still more to be written about Clark’s collegiate career. We may be approaching the best part of her story. But no matter how this epic concludes, there is no one who has more appreciation for what Clark has meant to the sport than the 64-year-old basketball icon with an unparalleled résumé. Woodard is so appreciative of the vital role Clark has played in growing the sport.
“Just bringing everyone to the game, and (to) see such an exciting game, and to embrace women’s basketball like it’s never ever been embraced, (with) this one player carrying it, God, it’s beautiful," she said.
veryGood! (14)
Related
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Cornel West survives Democratic challenge in Wisconsin, will remain on state’s presidential ballot
- EPA takes charge of Detroit-area cleanup of vaping supplies warehouse destroyed by explosions
- Old Navy Shoppers Rave That This Denim Jacket Looks More Expensive Than It Is & It’s on Sale for $30
- Trump's 'stop
- Julianne Hough Details Gut-Wrenching Story of How Her Dogs Died
- RealPage lawyer denies collusion with landlords to raise rents, 'open to solutions' to resolve DOJ lawsuit
- Children's Author Kouri Richins to Stand Trial Over Husband Eric Richins' Murder Case
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Salmon will soon swim freely in the Klamath River for first time in a century once dams are removed
Ranking
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- What Brittany Cartwright Is Seeking in Jax Taylor Divorce
- Gwyneth Paltrow Gives Rare Look at Son Moses Before He Heads to College
- Alix Earle apologizes for using racial slurs in posts from a decade ago: 'No excuse'
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Man dies on river trip at Grand Canyon; 5th fatality in less than a month
- Rapper Lil Baby arrested in Las Vegas on suspicion of concealed weapon violation
- Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney won't take live calls on weekly radio show
Recommendation
'Most Whopper
Judge extends temporary order for transgender New Hampshire girl to play soccer, hears arguments
Chick-fil-A's latest menu additions are here: Banana Pudding Milkshake, spicy sandwich
US appeals court revives a lawsuit against TikTok over 10-year-old’s ‘blackout challenge’ death
'Most Whopper
Shop Coach Outlet’s Summer Steals, Including Bags, Wristlets & More up to 70% off, Starting at $30
Robert Griffin III: 'Just really thankful' for time at ESPN after firing
Trailer for Christopher Reeve 'Super/Man' documentary offers glimpse into late actor's life