Iowa's Basketball Legacy: Woodard, Clark, and Record Triumph

In a historic moment on Wednesday, Iowa's Caitlin Clark etched her name in the annals of major women's college basketball, becoming the all-time leading scorer. This remarkable feat unfolded during a game against Minnesota, where Clark surpassed the previous record held by Kansas basketball legend Lynette Woodard.

Woodard, a Jayhawk luminary from the late 1970s and early 1980s, had an illustrious career, amassing an impressive 3,649 career points during her time at KU. Despite her significant contribution to women's basketball, Woodard's record isn't officially recognized as an NCAA record, as it occurred during the AIAW era before the NCAA governed the sport. Nevertheless, she remains an enduring figure in the history of the Kansas program.

Expressing her admiration for Clark's accomplishments, Woodard shared her sentiments during a recent Jayhawk Radio Network broadcast: "I just love that (Clark)'s a great shooter, a great player, having a sensational career. I like the fact that she is bringing so much attention to women's basketball, a lot more fans."

Woodard's ties to the Jayhawks run deep; she played under the guidance of another program great, former head coach Marian Washington. Woodard's commitment to KU extended beyond her playing days, as she even stepped in as head coach when Washington retired in the 2003-04 season. Both Woodard and Washington played pivotal roles in shaping the narrative of Kansas women's basketball.

As for Caitlin Clark, the senior at Iowa is not only rewriting records at the national level but has also become the all-time scoring leader for the Hawkeyes' program. Last season, she played a pivotal role in guiding Iowa to the national championship game, finishing as runners-up in the NCAA tournament. With Iowa's stellar performance this season, the odds are high for Clark to lead her team on another impressive postseason run, further solidifying her place in the rich history of women's basketball.