Catlin Clark continues to earn the recognition of friends and strangers. Fans, specialists, and even former WNBA stars fall at her feet with each record-breaking performance. This time it was the turn of the legendary Ticha Penicheiro to take her hat off to Clark’s dazzling career.
It’s no wonder since Clark makes history every time she steps on the court. After breaking the records for most career points in the NCAA and setting the record for most assists in a single game for a rookie in the WNBA, the Fever guard is one step away from breaking a record that was born before her.
Penicheiro was one of the pioneers of the WNBA. In 1998, the Portuguese-born player debuted in the league with the extinct Sacramento Monarchs. Her playmaking prowess soon earned her the respect of teammates and rivals and led her to equal or set several records that still stand on the books, including the one for most assists in a season by a rookie.
The Monarchs point guard finished the 1998-1999 WNBA season with 223 assists. Twenty-five years later, 22-year-old Clark is just three passes away from breaking Penicheiro’s mark, sending fans into a frenzy.
Penicheiro tips her hat
On Sunday, Clark and the Fever will host the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Averaging 8.3 assists per game, the former Iowa Hawkeye is almost certain to break the record tonight. One fan noticed it and threw a wish into the air.
“PLEASE @TichaPenicheiro come to Sunday’s game to pass that torch. Nobody has your style and flare for passing and I’m sure CC would be honored! The fans would go crazy!” the user on X (formerly Twitter) begged.
To everyone’s surprise, Ticha herself responded to the message. “If I wasn’t celebrating my bestie’s 50th birthday I would definitely be in attendance. Huge fan of CC and what she’s doing for women’s sports!! I will be watching on TV though…” replied the former player, to the mild disappointment of fans.
Clark and her great rival, Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, are in the middle of a generational change in the WNBA. The young players are re-shaping women’s basketball and the stars of past eras know how to recognize it.
