Caitlin Clark has secured the Honda Cup for the second year running, placing her alongside idols like Maya Moore in this prestigious accolade. The former Iowa standout, who capped her college career as Division I’s all-time leading scorer, joins an elite group including Tracy Caulkins, Rachel Garcia, and Moore as the only individuals to achieve this feat.
In a phone interview with AP, Clark expressed her admiration for Moore, stating, “It’s hard to wrap your head around. To be in the same air as her is pretty incredible.”
Due to commitments in her debut WNBA season with the Indiana Fever, Clark couldn’t attend the awards ceremony, missing out on the chance to engage with fellow finalists. “It stinks,” she lamented, emphasizing the event’s significance in fostering cross-sport camaraderie.
The Honda Cup, relocated to New York this year after a 12-year stint in Los Angeles, celebrates top NCAA women athletes for athletic prowess, academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Clark, a two-time AP Player of the Year, becomes only the 18th basketball player to claim the award in its 48-year history. Chris Voelz, executive director of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards, noted, “In our 48-year history, only a handful of athletes have won the Honda Cup twice.”
Alongside Clark, the other honorees this year included Texas volleyball player Madisen Skinner, LSU gymnast Haleigh Bryant, and Stanford softball standout NiJaree Canady. The top three finalists were recognized with a tie in voting, marking an exceptional year for women’s sports.
Additionally, USC basketball player Aaliyah Gayles received the Honda Inspiration Award for her resilience and determination following a shooting incident in 2022. Gayles signed with USC from her hospital bed and has since made a notable impact on and off the court.
Gretchen Walsh of Virginia and Parker Valby of Florida, unable to attend due to their Olympic trials commitments, exemplify the diverse athletic pursuits of this year’s finalists.
