The Iowa legislature passed a resolution declaring February 22, 2024, her day across the state
The Final Jeopardy clue for Thursday, March 12, 2026, appeared in the category “21st Century Women.” Contestants were asked to identify a modern figure after hearing the clue: “The Iowa legislature passed a resolution declaring February 22, 2024, her day across the state.” The clue referred to a widely celebrated athlete whose accomplishments at the University of Iowa helped transform the visibility and popularity of women’s college basketball.
The correct response was one of the most recognizable names in modern sports. Her record-breaking scoring ability and national influence helped draw unprecedented attention to the women’s game, both at the collegiate level and beyond.
What is Caitlin Clark?
Caitlin Clark is an American basketball player whose historic collegiate career at the University of Iowa brought widespread attention to women’s college basketball. Known for her deep shooting range, high scoring totals, and playmaking ability, Clark became one of the most celebrated athletes of the early twenty-first century while playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
The Iowa legislature formally recognized her achievements through a resolution declaring February 22, 2024, as “Caitlin Clark Day” across the state. The honor reflected both her extraordinary athletic accomplishments and the pride she brought to Iowa as a native of West Des Moines and a graduate of Dowling Catholic High School.
Record-Breaking Achievements at the University of Iowa
Clark’s career at the University of Iowa was marked by a series of historic milestones. During the 2023 season she set program records for the most points scored in a single season, finishing with 1,055 points, and the most assists in a season with 327. These performances helped establish her as one of the most dominant players in the history of the program.
Her achievements also extended to national competition. Clark set NCAA tournament records for the most three-point field goals in a single tournament with 24 and the most points scored in a tournament with 191. She also became the first player in college basketball history to record a 40-point triple-double during the NCAA tournament, demonstrating her rare combination of scoring and playmaking ability.
A Historic Scoring Milestone
One of the most significant moments in Clark’s collegiate career occurred on February 15, 2024. During a game in which Iowa defeated the University of Michigan 106–89, Clark scored 49 points. That performance set a new single-game scoring record for Iowa women’s basketball.
The same game also marked a historic milestone in the sport. Clark surpassed the previous career scoring record in NCAA women’s basketball, reaching a total of 3,569 points. Her scoring ability, combined with her playmaking, also made her the first player in NCAA history to surpass both 3,000 career points and 1,000 assists.
Recognition From the State of Iowa
In recognition of these achievements, the Iowa House of Representatives passed a resolution honoring Clark as one of the greatest collegiate athletes in the state’s history. The resolution highlighted not only her individual records but also the success of the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball program during her tenure, including Big Ten championships and a runner-up finish in the 2023 NCAA national championship game.
The legislature’s decision to designate February 22, 2024, as Caitlin Clark Day reflected the broader cultural impact of her career. Her performances attracted sold-out arenas and record television audiences, helping elevate the visibility of women’s basketball and inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans.