On Tuesday night, Caitlin Clark, a guard with the Indiana Fever and former Iowa star, won the AAU James E. Sullivan Award for the first time ever.
Since its inception in 1930, “the nation’s best athlete at the Olympic, Collegiate, or similar elite level” has received the Sullivan Award each year.
Although he couldn’t make it to the ceremony, Clark came via Zoom as he is now rehearsing with the Fever.
According to Clark, “the AAU Sullivan Award is an incredible honor” (source: Associated Press). “I have been inspired by so many athletes that came before me and I hope I can be that same inspiration for the next generation to follow their dreams.”
On behalf of Clark, the award was personally accepted by Kristin Meyer of Dowling Catholic, Clark’s high school coach.
The other finalists included paraswimmer Noah Jaffe, wrestler David Taylor, gymnast Frederick Richards, volleyball outside hitter Madisen Skinner, and speed skater Emery Lehman.
Clark’s time in Iowa came to a conclusion with an almost limitless list of honors and achievements. The fact that she broke the Division I scoring record (men’s or women’s) held by Basketball Hall of Famer “Pistol” Pete Maravich may have won her the greatest praise.
During her final two seasons, Clark was unanimously selected as the national player of the year and led Iowa to two visits in the national title game.
She is now bringing her skills to the WNBA, where on May 14 at the Connecticut Sun, she will make her debut with the Fever.