The Associated Press Awards have been awarded. Iowa Hawkeyes Caitlyn Clark wins her 2nd Associated Press National Player of the Year Award, and South Carolina Gamecocks Head Coach Dawn Staley picks up her 2nd.
Caitlyn Clark, Iowa’s star player, and South Carolina’s head coach, Dawn Staley, represent greatness and achievement. These two women are more than mere athletes and a coach; they are legends in their own right, having garnered multiple awards and accolades.
The two are not strangers to each other.
Clark, a recipient of two AP Player of the Year awards, has crossed paths several times with Coach Staley, a two-time Associated Press National Coach of the Year. Clark has won three Dawn Staley Awards, given to the nation’s best point guard. Furthermore, Clark led her team to a 77-73 win over Staley’s undefeated squad in last year’s semifinal game, securing a place in the program’s first Championship game.
Coach Dawn Staley tells a story about growing up in a five-sibling household when she accepted her second Associated Press National Coach of the Year award. Although her sister wasn’t much into sports, playing with her brothers set a foundation for her competitive spirit, which is still relevant to her life today. “Our house was not the biggest, so keeping my clean socks out of the hands of my siblings meant I always had to box them out, and that’s my mentality and how I approach what’s in front of me,” she said.
Every player is unique.
Coach Staley also says that everybody’s upbringing is different, which makes us unique. Clark and Staley stated that “they do not play or Coach this game for individual accolades but to be part of a legacy that inspires current and future generations of young women,” she said.
Clark’s second AP Player of the Year award recognizes her hard work, dedication, and talent. Her leadership skills and game-changing plays make her a fan favorite while earning the respect of players and coaches nationally. Coach Staley’s legacy of excellence stems from her competitive nature and values of hard work and determination, which she has ingrained in her since childhood. She has led her team to numerous victories and championships.
Clark and Staley inspire and motivate others to relentlessly pursue their dreams. Their impact on Women’s Basketball and the next generation of players is undeniable. Clark’s impressive average of 32 points, nine assists per game, and 7.3 rebounds this season have helped Iowa win its third consecutive Big Ten Conference Tournament title and secure the #1 seed in this year’s March Madness.
Joining the legends of the game.
Clark joins the ranks of legendary players who have won multiple AP National Player of the Year Awards, such as Chamique Holdsclaw, Seimone Augustus, Maya Moore, Brittney Griner, and Breanna Stewart. Coach Staley has also risen to the top echelon of multiple award winners alongside renowned coaches such as Geno Auriemma of UConn, Muffet McGraw of Notre Dame, Brenda Frese of Maryland, and Kim Mulkey of Baylor and LSU.
Clark attributes her success to the help, support, and guidance of her family, coaches, and teammates. Coach Staley has praised Clark for her humility, especially given the growth in attendance at her games, whether home or away, and the increase in television ratings and sold-out games.
Clark and Staley are more than just athletes and coaches; they serve as role models and sources of inspiration for those who aspire to greatness, especially in women’s sports and beyond. They remind us that true greatness can be discovered along one’s life journey by building strong relationships and making a positive impact on others, even in a world where wins and losses often measure success.
Clark has set her sights on leading the Iowa basketball team to the program’s first championship win this weekend after falling short last year against LSU. It is so nice to include that Clark is also the NCAA Division 1 all-time leading scorer in both the Men’s and Women’s with a remarkable 3790 points, surpassing Pete Maravich of LSU, who had 3667.
Picture Credit: Iowa Hawkeyes
Sports Journalist Okon Ekpenyong
Okon Ekpenyong is a multi-talented writer, journalist, and entrepreneur.
He regularly contributes to the New Americans magazine and covers college basketball for Sportzkelz media. In addition, he is the founder of Okiethedreamer Productions, a company that promotes new Americans and local businesses through community writing and referrals.
With his diverse skills and passions, Okon is dedicated to uplifting and showcasing the voices and stories of marginalized communities.
