Caitlin Clark wins Honda Cup as Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year

Caitlin Clark has won the Honda Cup as the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year. The ceremony was held on Monday night, with three others being up for nomination. LSU gymnast Haleigh Bryant, former Stanford pitcher NiJaree Canady, and Texas volleyball player Madisen Skinner were the other finalists.

Clark is the first back-to-back winner of the Honda Cup since UConn legend Maya Moore. Although the 2010 award was considered a tie, Moore also won in 2011 for her efforts with the Huskies. Being able to share an accomplishment with Moore provided a special moment for Clark.

“I think it’s pretty special,” Clark said on winning the award. “I know how important this award is and how many great people have come before me. Like you mentioned, Maya Moore was my idol growing up. So, now to be on the same list as her is absolutely incredible… Just really special. This award means a lot, it’s a first-class award.”

Clark was not able to attend the ceremony, currently being on the road with the Indiana Fever. However, she was made available over Zoom while two Iowa coaches — Lisa Bluder and Jan Jensen — were in attendance to accept the award. She thanked the Iowa coaching staff and all of her teammates for making winning the award possible.

“I was pretty fortunate through my college career,” Clark said. “My coaches are there, accepting on my behalf. It doesn’t happen without them. Those two there (Bluder and Jensen) but the rest of our coaching staff. But also, the teammates I’ve had throughout the years. They’ve let me be myself. I wouldn’t have gotten to the point I’ve gotten to if it wasn’t for them.”

Iowa had a ton of team success with Clark this past season, finishing second during the Big Ten regular season, and eventually winning the conference tournament. They also earned a No. 1 overall seed and made their way to a national championship game for the second consecutive season.

While the Hawkeyes were not able to lift the trophy, it was still a magical run with Clark leading the way.

Clark averaged 31.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game during the 2023-24 season. She was named the AP Player of the Year, another award to win in consecutive years.

No honor might be higher than winning the Honda Cup, though. Of all the great women athletes to compete this season in college sports, Clark was named the best of the best.