Why Iowa star Caitlin Clark is one of the most likable figures in sports (PO)

Caitlin Clark has taken the women’s college basketball scene by storm over the last few years and garnered more traction this year as she gained sole possession of the NCAA Division I scoring title.

More and more eyes have been following Clark on the court this season as she broke several NCAA records. Her game against Ohio State on March 3 where she broke the all-time scoring record earned 3.39 million average viewers. It was the highest TV turnout for a regular-season women’s college basketball game on any network in 25 years. Viewership peaked at 4.42 million, making it the most watched women’s college basketball game in FOX Sports’ history, the network said.

In her final regular season game, Clark drew famous people to visit Iowa City, including rapper Travis Scott and WNBA great Maya Moore.

Her effect is spreading across women’s college basketball as it has been outpacing the men’s games on Fox. Women’s games are averaging 981,000 viewers, compared with 946,000 for the men. FOX’s women’s basketball regular-season slate featured a record 14 games compared to nearly 40 men’s games.

Clark, who announced she will be declaring for the WNBA Draft after this season, is presumably the first overall pick, which is held by the Indiana Fever.

Clark’s future professional career has already had fans willing to shell out for tickets to see the Fever around different WNBA cities. Single-game tickets for when the Fever play the Mercury are not yet available on the website. Season-tickets in the upper level listed for Stubhub resale for the Fever game on June 30 are going for at least $84. The cheapest in the lower level is being sold for $177.

Making time for autographs

With how historic her run has been, it’s no secret that fans are flocking to get Clark’s signature.

Right after Iowa defeated Nebraska 94-89 in overtime for its third consecutive Big Ten title, Clark ran to fans instead of heading straight to the locker room. She’s signed countless times after games and is making time for younger fans regardless of the heightened media around her.

Getting recognized instantly

Not long after winning the Big Ten title in Minneapolis, Clark made her way back to Iowa City to catch the men’s regular season finale against No. 12 Illinois.

Clark’s choice to go incognito and detract attention backfired as she was instantly recognized on the broadcast and in the arena.

Kobe impression

Many basketball players have attempted to recreate the iconic photo of the late Kobe Bryant after winning the 2001 NBA Finals. And Clark was the latest.

Clark not only won the conference title, she also became the second player to earn three consecutive Big Ten Most Outstanding Player awards, joining Ohio State’s Jantel Lavender (2009, 2010, 2011).

Following that win, she did the pose with the title trophy in the bathroom, along with wearing Kobe 5 Bruce Lee’s as a coincidental touch.