Caitlin Clark makes history as 'Ponytail Pete' surpasses NCAA scoring record

In a moment that will resonate through NCAA basketball history, Caitlin Clark of the Iowa Hawkeyes found herself in the spotlight at the free-throw line on Sunday, where she calmly sank the shots that elevated her to the summit of the all-time Division I scoring chart. Despite her reputation for flashy long ball, it was Clark's poise during two crucial free throws, earned after a technical foul, that surpassed Pete Maravich's 54-year-old record. This historic achievement unfolded amidst a thrilling 93-83 victory over Ohio State, with Clark, delivering a standout performance, tallying 35 points to bring her total to an astounding 3,685 points across 130 games.

In a dramatic twist, Clark, known for her proficiency in sinking logo 3’s, found herself at the foul line after Cotie McMahon's technical foul for an altercation during a dead ball with less than a second left in the first half. While she typically dazzles from beyond the arc, it was this pivotal moment that saw Clark step up and calmly sink the foul shots that propelled her past Maravich's legendary scoring record, earning her the self-proclaimed nickname Ponytail Pete. 

Amidst the electric atmosphere of the Carver-Hawkeye arena, filled with fans and notable personalities alike; including Maya Moore, Travis Scott, Jake from State Farm, Nolan Ryan, and Lynette Woodard, Clark solidified her NCAA legacy in a monumental rematch against Ohio State. With the crowd's excitement palpable, Clark took to the court, just 17 points shy of surpassing Maravich's long standing record of 3,667 points set in 1970. Despite the monumental achievement, Clark maintained her composure, displaying no outward reaction to the remarkable shot that secured her place among basketball's elite.

Just four days before this historic moment, Clark surpassed Lynette Woodard's impressive women's college scoring record of 3,649 points, established during her time at Kansas from 1977 to 1981, predating the NCAA's formal recognition of women's basketball.

With unparalleled media coverage and a spotlight that shines brighter than any other college athlete, Clark holds the distinction of being the most spotlighted player in college basketball, showcasing her exceptional talent and cementing her legacy as a basketball icon.