Star player Kelsey Plum from the Las Vegas Aces graciously acknowledges and expresses gratitude for the impending milestone of Caitlin Clark as the leading scorer in Division 1 women’s college basketball, passing the baton to the rising talent.
Caitlin Clark, the standout from Iowa, is set to become the all-time scoring leader in Division 1 Women’s College Basketball. She is just eight points away from achieving this milestone and will have the opportunity to make history in front of her home crowd when Iowa faces Michigan on Thursday, Feb. 15.
At the USA Women’s National Team training camp in Brooklyn, Kelsey Plum, a two-time WNBA Champion, addressed Caitlin Clark’s upcoming achievement.
Kelsey Plum reached a challenging phase in her career when she clinched the scoring title
“I’m excited for her, I know its approaching quickly,” said Plum after training camp in Brooklyn. “To be honest, I’m actually very grateful to pass that baton on, so very happy for her.”
Plum, who has openly shared her struggles, especially in terms of mental health, linked the honor to a somber period in her life. As the current all-time scoring leader in Division 1 Women’s Basketball with 3,527 points after playing for the Washington Huskies for four years, she understands the pressure and emotions leading up to this moment.
“I remember, to be honest, it was very much of a low point in my life,” Plum told the media during a video call at USA Basketball mini camp about the night she made history. “I felt like a lot of pressure. “
And it’s crucial to acknowledge that athletes are also humans. Like Plum, several athletes, including WNBA legend Chamique Holdsclaw, Heat’s Kevin Love, and Chicago’s DeMar DeRozan in the NBA, have been open about their mental health journey. Regardless of their stardom, it’s essential to take care of their mind, body, and soul.
Throughout her remarkable career, Plum has mentioned that her journey to the WNBA hasn’t always been smooth. Drafted No.1 overall by the San Antonio Stars in the 2017 WNBA Draft, Plum experienced organizational changes and relocation to Las Vegas.
In her six-year career, she holds various accolades, including being a 2x WNBA champion, 2x WNBA All-Star (MVP), All-WNBA First Team (2022), and WNBA Sixth Player of the Year (2021).
Plum also pointed out the differences in scoring at the college level compared to the professional level in a video press conference after training camp, emphasizing that you “score differently” at the next level, especially since “less than one percent go to the pro level.”
Plum, Clark, and many others transcend the label of being merely basketball players
Prior to the 2020 USA Olympics, Plum suffered a torn achilles. Despite sitting out the entire 2020 WNBA season, she contributed to Team USA’s victory, securing the inaugural women’s 3×2 Olympic gold medal. This year, she is set to join the 2024 USA Olympic team in Paris.
Regarding not only Clark but athletes in general, Plum made a noteworthy observation that athletes are much more than just basketball players.
“The media takes time to understand that it’s just not a basketball player, but a young woman that has feelings and emotions.”
While acknowledging Clark’s “grace,” Plum admitted that it’s “a lot to handle.” Even though Clark hasn’t shown vulnerability, Plum emphasized the importance of supporting her beyond her basketball performance.
“If anything, I would just make sure that we show her love outside of her performance, and she’ll break it,” Plum told reporters after training camp.
Shortly after the camp, Plum early celebrated Clark’s achievement in a social media post on X.
“Congratulations on the record, and really your entire season!” Plum posted. “I appreciate what you do for the game, much respect and love! See you at the next level, hopefully sooner than later.”
On the same day, the Aces guard humorously corrected her mistake with “my bad next game,” followed by a laughing emoji.
Caitlin Clark is revolutionizing the world of women’s basketball
The Caitlin Clark effect is evident and here to stay. In a remarkable upset with Nebraska defeating Iowa 82-79, a crowd of 15,042 spectators gathered to watch Clark and the game at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Clark finished with 31 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, with a 33.3 percent three-point shooting. For the first time in her career, she was held scoreless throughout the fourth quarter.
Clark will have the opportunity to break Plum’s record against Michigan on Thursday night. The matchup, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET, will be aired on Peacock. With just five regular-season games left, Clark will not only have the chance to break the record on national television but also share it with fans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The most expensive ticket is selling for over $3000 on Vivid Seats. As of this afternoon, the cheapest available on Vivid is $311 in corner DD.
The 22-year-old Caitlin Clark, set to break the record, is averaging 32.1 points this season, with 3,520 career points. She is leading a new era in women’s sports filled with enthusiasm and growth, impacting not only fans but also expanding the reach of women’s basketball.
The Iowa Hawkeyes stand at 22-3, positioned at No. 4 during this remarkable year. Having been named the Naismith midseason team player of the year, Clark continues to excel, just one season removed from the NCAA Finals.
