Grassley hails Caitlin Clark after she breaks NCAA women’s scoring record

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) celebrated Caitlin Clark after the University of Iowa basketball star broke the NCAA women’s scoring record and a school record Thursday evening.

Clark, who became the NCAA women’s career scoring leader in a game against the University of Michigan, has brought unique attention to women’s basketball and the Hawkeyes team. Clark has now scored 3,569 points during the 126 games she’s played in her career.

On Thursday, she also finished with a school record 49 points and had nine 3-pointers and 13 assists in the 106-39 victory against the Wolverines.

“CONGRATS to Des Moines native Caitlin Clark for breaking the women’s ncaa ALL TIME scoring record She is the pride of Iowa & leading U of Iowa wbb to gr8 succes I love watching her & the team play GO HAWKS #realhistorychannel,” Grassley posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“In case u live under a rock let me b the 1 to tell u Caitlin Clark Iowa wbb star not only broke the ncaa women all time scoring record 2nite Clark had a career high game w 49 pts AND scores the most pts in a single game for Iowa wbb #realhistorychannel,” Grassley added in another post.

The 22-year-old was subbed out of the game with just less than two minutes left to play and said she was grateful to be surrounded by people who have been her foundation in life since she was young.

Fellow Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst (R) posted online in anticipation of Clark’s performance.

“Excited to see @CaitlinClark22 set another record tonight!” Ernst posted. “GO #HAWKEYES!”

The Iowa team has four games left before the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. Clark, who has the option to return for a fifth season with the team because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is predicted to be the No. 1 overall draft pick in the WNBA in the upcoming draft.

The Associated Press contributed.