Caitlin Clark has been hooping since grade school, but her legend truly began to grow in college with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The “Caitlin Clark effect” took over basketball conversations with her record-shattering performances in women’s basketball.
She is now with the Indiana Fever, and recently, she showcased her talent as part of Team USA, which dominated the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Puerto Rico.
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Clark will go down as one of the best female college basketball players ever, and she may even have a case as one of the greatest players overall when comparing across both men’s and women’s basketball.
The two-time WNBA All-Star remains the first player in NCAA history to record a 40-point triple-double in a tournament game. She accomplished this feat exactly three years ago today, posting 41 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists to defeat the Louisville Cardinals and send her team to the NCAA Final Four.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark reacts against the Louisville CardinalsKirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
State Farm made sure to remind fans of this incredible feat and her place in such an exclusive club.
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This performance left people stunned at the time. Her coach then, Lisa Bluder, was at a loss for words and marveled at how fate seemed to shape an incredible story for Clark.
“It’s like a storybook, been like that all year long,” Bluder said.
“We keep talking about destiny and how it’s supposed to happen. … She’s spectacular. I don’t know how else to describe what she does on the basketball court. A 40-point triple-double against Louisville to go to the Final Four. Are you kidding me? That’s mind-boggling.”
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Clark has been a force ever since. She may not have won an NCAA title that year, but she has collected nearly every possible individual award. The Caitlin Clark effect has gripped the basketball world, and she’s poised to take over the WNBA in Year 3.
Related: Luka Doncic Left Confused by Caitlin Clark on Wednesday
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
