Junior guard Caitlin Clark could be the second Iowa player in four years to be named the Naismith (nay-smith) Women’s College Player of the Year when the winner is announced in Dallas this(Wednesday) afternoon. Clark averages better than 27 points and eight and-a-half assists for a Hawkeye team that is 30-6 and plays top ranked South Carolina in the Final Four Friday night. Clark plays with emotion and can be fiery but says it all stems from the joy the game brings her.

Clark says basketball is more than wins and awards.

Iowa coach Lisa Bluder says Clark’s stardom comes at the right time. Television ratings are surging and next week’s national title game will be carried by ABC.

Bluder says Clark enjoys performing on the biggest stage.

Bluder says Clark is excelling in the spotlight.

Iowa center Megan Gustafson was named the Naismith Award winner in 2019.