Lynette Woodard and Caitlin Clark are linked by a bit of controversy regarding the all-time scoring record.
Caitlin Clark is a current player for the Iowa Hawkeyes. In the 2023-2024 season, she surpassed the previous record of 3,951 points to become the NCAA’s official all-time leading scorer.
While, Lynette Woodard played for the University of Kansas in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Her career scoring total of 3,649 points would be the record, but her accomplishments fall under a different organization – the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (AIAW) – which existed before the NCAA took over women’s basketball. Because of this, Woodard’s record isn’t officially recognized by the NCAA.
Back in February 2024, while talking about Clark’s milestone, Lynette Woodard said, “I don’t think Lynette Woodard would have had this moment without Caitlin Clark, so I’ve gotta give it right back to her.”
However, Woodard has triggered d a debate after comments emerged from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association convention. She initially seemed to embrace Caitlin Clark’s recent record-breaking performance. However, now, Woodard has a different stance.
As per the New York Post, Lynette Woodard, referencing her own unrecognized record for decades, stated, “I am the hidden figure, but no longer now.”
Hall of Famer Lynette Woodard says her all-time scoring record has NOT been broken by Caitlin Clark
#caitlinclark #lynettewoodard #ncaabasketball #collegebasketball #womenscollegebasketball #wfinalfour #finalfour #marchmadness pic.twitter.com/R9X1neT9Bo
— Chrystal Stone (@chrystalstone_) April 6, 2024
Woodard claims that due to rule changes, particularly the use of a different sized ball in her era, Clark’s accomplishment isn’t directly comparable.
“I don’t think my record has been broken because you can’t duplicate what you’re not duplicating,” Woodard said, even suggesting a men’s basketball for a fairer comparison.
Caitlin Clark is going to the WNBA! She declared for the 2024 WNBA draft back in February after her stellar college career at Iowa.
The WNBA draft is happening on April 15th, 2024, and with the Indiana Fever having the first overall pick, most experts predict Clark will be the number one selection. She’s considered one of the best prospects to ever enter the draft, boasting elite scoring skills, playmaking ability, and a good shooting range.
There was even a recent buzz about Clark potentially joining the Big3 league, a professional 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by rapper Ice Cube, alongside her college career. However, her focus seems to be firmly on the WNBA where she’ll likely be a star for years to come.
Lynette Woodard’s Basketball Career
Playing Career:
-Played for the University of Kansas (Kansas Jayhawks) from 1977 to 1981.
-Became the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball during her time (though the NCAA didn’t officially recognize it then). Her record stood for over 40 years until surpassed by Caitlin Clark in February 2024.
-Won numerous accolades, including four-time Kodak All-American and the 1981 Honda Sports Award.
-Led the U.S. Women’s Basketball team to victory at the 1984 Olympics and also won a World Championship in 1990.
-Made history by becoming the first female member of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters (1985-1987).
-Briefly came out of retirement to play for the Cleveland Rockers and Detroit Shock (1997-1999) in the newly formed WNBA.
Beyond Playing:
-Currently, she is the head coach of the Winthrop University women’s basketball team (since 2017).
-She worked as a financial consultant after her playing career.
-Deservedly inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004.
