Even if you’re not glued to March Madness or following every game, chances are you’ve heard of Caitlin Clark. The Iowa Hawkeyes guard, at just 22 years old, has become a household name, setting numerous NCAA records and captivating audiences with her exceptional talent. Her impact extends beyond the court, drawing well-deserved attention to women’s basketball in the process.

During her recent home game on March 3rd, Clark made history by becoming the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, a momentous occasion that attracted a sold-out crowd and notable figures like Maya Moore and Travis Scott. Her stellar performances have consistently drawn record-breaking TV views and elevated the profile of women’s college basketball.

As March Madness unfolds, Clark remains a central figure, leading her team to the Sweet Sixteen for the third time. The Hawkeyes, seeded number one, are set to face the Colorado Buffaloes in their upcoming game, with aspirations of advancing to the Elite Eight.

Here are a few fascinating facts to help you get acquainted with basketball’s rising star:

She’s been manifesting a basketball career since third grade.

Clark participated in various competitive sports during her upbringing, such as soccer and softball. However, basketball captured her attention from the age of nine. In an interview with ESPN Inside Look, she revealed a dream board she crafted in elementary school, outlining her life goals. Among them were aspirations to secure a basketball scholarship and eventually play in the WNBA. So far, she’s achieved these milestones, but the attainment of her dreams regarding owning a “giant mansion” and having “three to four kids” remains to be seen.

Clark played on boys’ teams as a kid.

Coming from a household immersed in sports, Clark, as the middle child, was raised in what she describes as a “sports family.” Her father played a pivotal role as her initial basketball coach. Recognizing her exceptional skills early on, he enrolled her in boys’ teams to ensure she remained challenged. Remarkably, Clark continued playing on boys’ soccer and basketball teams for an extended period, surpassing the typical co-ed duration until around sixth grade. Her talent shone brightly during this time, as evidenced by winning the MVP title one year. Reflecting on this experience, Clark expressed how integral it was to her development, emphasizing that gender was never a barrier for her. She approached the challenge with confidence, understanding that she could hold her own against any opponent, showcasing her fearlessness and determination from a young age.

Her brothers helped her reach her athletic potential.

Clark affectionately refers to her brothers as both her “biggest supporters” and her “biggest haters” simultaneously, highlighting their complex dynamic. Speaking with ESPN, she humorously acknowledges that they consistently keep her grounded. She attributes much of her athletic drive to her older brother, whom she describes as consistently “bigger, stronger, faster.” Despite often being outmatched when playing with him and his friends, Clark’s competitive spirit never wavered. Her mother’s advice resonated deeply: if she wanted to compete with them, she had to find a way to hold her own. This upbringing instilled in Clark a resilient mindset and a determination to excel in the face of challenges.

She generate income more than any other women’s college basketball player.

In 2021, the NCAA implemented a groundbreaking rule permitting college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This rule essentially opened the doors for student-athletes to earn income through social media endorsements, commercials, and various partnerships, marking a significant shift in collegiate sports. Caitlin Clark has seized this opportunity to become one of the pioneering college athlete influencers.

With a substantial following of 1.1 million on Instagram and a considerable amount of national attention, Clark has emerged as an attractive partner for major brands such as State Farm, Gatorade, and Nike. Her endorsement deals have amounted to a staggering $3.1 million since January 2022, according to the verified NIL deal tracker managed by On3. This remarkable sum solidifies Clark’s status as the highest-earning NCAA women’s basketball player to date and ranks her as the fourth highest-earning college athlete overall. She shares this esteemed company with prominent figures like men’s basketball players Bronny James and Shedeur Sanders, as well as women’s gymnastics star Livvy Dune.

A marketing major boost her a lot.

When Caitlin Clark isn’t honing her basketball skills or hitting the gym, you’ll often find her crafting innovative retail strategies. As an honors student pursuing a major in marketing and a minor in communications studies at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, she’s leveraging her academic pursuits to enhance her understanding of brand management and communication. Her meticulously curated Instagram feed, filled with engaging campaigns, serves as tangible evidence of the synergy between her studies and her burgeoning personal brand.

In an interview with her college, Clark humorously remarked, “I should get internship hours for living my daily life running my business and brand.” This sentiment encapsulates her ability to seamlessly integrate her academic endeavors with her real-world experiences, effectively blurring the lines between student and entrepreneur.

She’s famous for her impressive shooting range.

Caitlin Clark has gained widespread recognition for her prowess in sinking “logo threes”—three-point shots executed from the Hawkeye logo adorning her home court at Iowa. Positioned several feet beyond the midcourt line, these impressive shots have become a signature move for Clark and a source of excitement for fans, contributing to the consistent sell-out of Hawkeyes tickets.

Clark attributes her remarkable shooting range to a combination of physical strength and the support of her teammates. She emphasizes that her ability to sink these long-range shots has been cultivated through dedicated strength training and the presence of formidable defenders guarding her. Shooting from such a distance alters the dynamics of the game, providing the Hawkeyes with a strategic advantage. By stretching the defense and creating more space on the court, Clark’s deep shooting abilities not only enhance her scoring potential but also create greater opportunities for her teammates to excel.

She’s always eager to prop up her teammates.

Despite garnering immense media attention and accumulating a plethora of records and accolades, Caitlin Clark remains a humble and team-oriented leader. In post-game press conferences, she consistently deflects praise from her individual performance and instead highlights the contributions of her teammates that contributed to their success.

In an interview with NBC News following her groundbreaking achievement of breaking the NCAA scoring record, Clark redirected the focus to the collective effort of the team. Expressing pride in their performance, she emphasized the team’s cohesion and praised their overall gameplay. Additionally, Clark singled out sophomore teammate Hannah Stuelke for her exceptional performance, acknowledging Stuelke’s confidence and integral role in the team’s success. This demonstration of humility and recognition of her teammates’ accomplishments underscores Clark’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.

The second most triple-doubles in NCAA history belongs to Clark.

Caitlin Clark’s remarkable basketball career includes an impressive tally of 17 triple-doubles, solidifying her as one of the most versatile players in NCAA history. A triple-double occurs when a player achieves double-digit figures in three statistical categories—points, assists, and rebounds—within a single game. Clark’s ability to consistently reach this milestone highlights her exceptional skill set and her comprehensive understanding of the game.

With 17 triple-doubles to her name, Clark ranks second in NCAA basketball history for both men and women, trailing only Sabrina Ionescu, who holds the overall record with 26 triple-doubles. This achievement underscores Clark’s proficiency in all aspects of the game, showcasing her prowess as a scorer, facilitator, and rebounder.

Clark’s impressive feat is a testament to her team awareness and her commitment to elevating her teammates’ performances. Far from being a ball hog, she demonstrates a selfless approach to the game, prioritizing team success above individual accolades. Her ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories exemplifies her well-rounded skill set and her invaluable impact on the court.

If basketball extinct, she still famous in other fields.

Despite her intense focus on basketball, Caitlin Clark enjoys diversifying her interests outside of the sport, particularly during the off-season and between games. Recognizing the high-pressure environment of competitive basketball, she finds solace in hobbies that provide a sense of tranquility and relaxation.

One of Clark’s favorite pastimes is baking, with a particular fondness for making brownies. This culinary pursuit allows her to unwind and indulge in the creative process of baking, providing a welcome break from the demands of her athletic career.

Additionally, Clark has been honing her golf skills since the age of six. Beyond the physical activity, she values the social aspect of golfing, relishing the opportunity to spend time outdoors with loved ones. Moreover, Clark sees the golf course as a space to cultivate mental toughness, an essential attribute for any athlete. Through the challenges presented on the course, she strengthens her resilience and fortitude, complementing her athletic endeavors on the basketball court.

WNBA here she goes.

Although Caitlin Clark had the option to extend her collegiate basketball career for another year due to the concessions granted to 2020 NCAA student-athletes amid the pandemic, she ultimately made the decision to pursue her lifelong dream of playing in the WNBA.

Announcing her choice on February 29 via social media, Clark confirmed her entry into the 2024 WNBA draft, putting an end to speculation among fans. Her decision was met with excitement, particularly by the Indiana Fever, who secured the first draft pick and thus the opportunity to potentially add Clark to their roster.

While the WNBA historically receives less viewership and funding compared to its male counterpart, Clark’s popularity and talent could potentially shift the landscape. As a beloved figure among fans, her entrance into the professional league raises questions about whether she will continue to attract significant ticket sales, media attention, and sponsorship opportunities, potentially elevating the profile of women’s basketball on a broader scale.