15 Stunning Photos That Capture Caitlin Clark’s Rise
This article highlights 15 real moments from Caitlin Clark’s basketball career, each captured in a powerful photo that shows her rise from college star to WNBA No. 1 draft pick.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Caitlin Clark’s journey from the University of Iowa to the WNBA was marked by record-breaking performances and unforgettable games. This piece presents 15 moments that were photographed and shared widely, showing her talent, leadership, and impact on women’s basketball. Each moment is tied to a specific date and event, making them easy to reference and visually powerful.
1. Scoring 41 Points Against South Carolina in the Final Four
Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
Caitlin Clark scored 41 points to lead Iowa over undefeated South Carolina in the national semifinal. She added eight assists and six rebounds, playing all 40 minutes of the game. This performance ended South Carolina’s 42-game winning streak. It was a defining moment in her college career and was widely covered in sports media.
2. Setting the NCAA Women’s Career Scoring Record
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Clark became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history. She broke Kelsey Plum’s record with a deep three-pointer in the first quarter. The crowd at Carver-Hawkeye Arena gave her a standing ovation. Photographers captured the exact moment she pointed to the crowd after the shot was taken.
3. First 40-Point Triple-Double in NCAA Tournament History
Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
Clark recorded 41 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in the Elite Eight. This made her the first player in men’s or women’s NCAA history to post a 40-point triple-double in the tournament. Iowa won the game 97–83 and advanced to the Final Four. The moment was documented with images of Clark celebrating with teammates.
4. Waving to the Crowd After Final Iowa Home Game
Margaret Kispert/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
In her final regular-season home game, Clark waved to the crowd at a sold-out Carver-Hawkeye Arena. She finished with 35 points and a win over a top-five ranked team. The game was a celebration of her impact on the program. Photos showed her holding flowers during the senior day ceremony.
5. Drafted First Overall by the Indiana Fever
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Clark was selected No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever at the 2024 WNBA Draft. She wore a white suit and smiled as she walked across the stage in New York. It was a major milestone in her career. The photo of her shaking hands with the WNBA Commissioner was shared across major sports platforms.
6. 44 Points in Historic Win Over LSU
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Clark scored 44 points against defending champion LSU to send Iowa back to the Final Four. She made nine three-pointers and controlled the pace of the game. The rematch drew millions of viewers. Images captured her raising her arms as the final buzzer sounded.
7. Holding the Big Ten Championship Trophy
Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
Clark led Iowa to another Big Ten title, finishing with 30 points and 9 assists. She was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. After the win, she held the trophy above her head in front of fans and teammates. That photo became one of the most shared of her college career.
8. Logo Three-Pointer vs. Maryland
Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Clark hit a three-pointer from nearly half court in the first quarter. The shot went viral online and was replayed on sports networks. Her range was one of her most unique skills throughout college. The play was caught from multiple angles in photos and video.
9. Emotional Hug With Lisa Bluder After Final Game
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
After Iowa’s loss in the national title game, Clark embraced longtime head coach Lisa Bluder. Both were visibly emotional after the end of an historic season. Though Iowa lost, Clark’s performance was praised nationwide. Photographers captured the moment courtside.
10. Meeting Fans During College GameDay in Iowa City
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
Clark appeared on ESPN’s College GameDay live in Iowa City. Fans lined up with signs and Iowa gear to cheer her on. She posed for photos with young players and signed autographs. The atmosphere was one of celebration and pride for her achievements.
11. Pregame Tunnel Walk in Black and Gold Uniform
Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Before tipoff, Clark walked through the tunnel in a black Iowa uniform with headphones on and full focus. The moment was caught by sports photographers and used in promo features. Her presence became a major part of the college basketball experience. Each game had high anticipation when she stepped on the court.
12. Assist No. 1,000 – Setting a Program Record
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Clark became the first player in Iowa history to reach 1,000 career assists. The record-breaking pass came in the third quarter on a fast break. She finished the game with another double-double. That moment added to her resume as one of the most complete guards in NCAA history.
13. 3,000 Career Points Celebration
Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Clark crossed the 3,000-point mark during a win over Iowa State. The milestone was recognized with a short pause and applause from the crowd. She waved to the fans and pointed to her family in the stands. The photo of that celebration was featured in national sports coverage.
14. Game-Winning Shot at Michigan State
Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
Clark hit a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer from deep beyond the arc. Iowa won 84–81 in one of the season’s most dramatic finishes. She was mobbed by teammates immediately after the shot. The image of her being lifted off the ground became a highlight of the year.
15. Standing Ovation at Final Four Media Day
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
Clark walked into media day with hundreds of reporters and photographers in attendance. She received a standing ovation from members of the media and fans in the building. Her presence drew national attention ahead of her final collegiate games. The photo showed her calmly seated at the podium surrounded by cameras.