Lynette Woodard, a renowned figure in KU women’s basketball, found herself under scrutiny on Sunday following her remarks about Iowa’s Caitlin Clark.

“I don’t think my record has been broken,” Woodard said at the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association convention. “Because you can’t duplicate what you’re not duplicating.”

Clark surpassed Woodard’s long-standing record for most career points by a Division I collegiate women’s basketball player in late February. Woodard defended her record by highlighting differences such as the use of a men’s size basketball and the absence of a three-point line during her era.

Woodard’s comments stirred controversy among fans, who questioned her respect for the new scoring leader. Despite this, Woodard had previously acknowledged and commended Clark’s accomplishments, even offering congratulations to the Iowa star in a statement to 27 News in mid-February. Woodard’s appreciation was further evident as she attended Clark’s senior day in Iowa City.

“In honoring Caitlin’s accomplishments, I hope that we can also shine a light on the pioneers who paved the way before her,” Woodard told KSNT.

Subsequently, Woodard released a statement on Sunday, clarifying the intent behind her convention remarks. Emphasizing her stance in bold print, she acknowledged Clark’s achievement as the new scoring record holder.

“No one respects Caitlin Clark’s accomplishments more than I do,” Woodard said in a post on social media. “…My message was: A lot has changed, on and off the court, which makes it difficult to compare statistical accomplishments from different eras. Each is a snapshot in time.”

Then, in bold print, Woodard made her stance clear.

“Caitlin holds the scoring record,” she said. “I salute her and will be cheering for her throughout the rest of her career.”

Clark’s collegiate journey reached its conclusion on Sunday with a loss to South Carolina in the National Championship game. Clark capped off her time at Iowa with 3,951 points, eclipsing Woodard’s tally of 3,649.