Caitlin Clark Wins 94th AAU Sullivan Award
NEW YORK, April 23, 2024 (Newswire.com) - University of Iowa basketball alum and No.1 WNBA Draft Pick Caitlin Clark is the winner of the 94th AAU James E. Sullivan Award. Clark is the first-ever two-time winner of the award in its 94-year history, as she also won the 93rd AAU Sullivan Award last year.
The reigning Naismith Player of the Year was presented the award during a special ceremony on Tuesday, April 23, at the New York Athletic Club. Her high school coach, Kristin Meyer, accepted the award on stage.
The AAU Sullivan Award has been presented annually by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) since 1930 to the most outstanding athlete at the collegiate or Olympic level in the United States. In addition to athletic excellence, the AAU Sullivan Award recognizes the qualities of leadership, citizenship, character, and sportsmanship on and off the playing surface.
“The AAU Sullivan Award is an incredible honor. I have been inspired by so many athletes that came before me and I hope I can be that same inspiration for the next generation to follow their dreams," said Caitlin Clark. "I want to congratulate the other finalists and thank all of those who voted for me.”
Clark was determined the winner following a public vote, as well as votes from the AAU Sullivan Award Committee, AAU Board of Directors, sports media, and past winners.
Clark, who will now play for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, is the consensus national player of the year for the second straight season. She’s the NCAA basketball all-time leading scorer and the only player in NCAA D1 Men’s or Women’s basketball history to lead her conference in scoring and assists in four consecutive seasons. Clark also broke the NCAA women’s tournament scoring record in her final game in an Iowa jersey.
“Caitlin has accomplished something no other athlete has done by being a two-time AAU Sullivan Award winner, and we couldn’t be prouder,” said Jo Mirza, AAU President. “Beyond the court, her impact on women’s basketball and women’s sports in general cannot be overstated. She’s an incredible role model for our AAU athletes.”
The other finalists for this year’s award included Olympic wrestler David Taylor, Olympic speed skater Emery Lehman, Team USA gymnast Frederick Richard, Texas Volleyball champion Madisen Skinner, and U.S. Paralympic swimmer Noah Jaffe.
Prior winners of the prestigious AAU Sullivan Award include fellow University of Iowa athlete Spencer Lee (wrestling, 2019), Olympians Michael Phelps (swimming, 2003) and Shawn Johnson (gymnastics, 2008) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (football, 1997). A full list of recipients can be found here.
Video and photos from the award ceremony are available here.
Source: Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)
