A once-in-a-generation player, Caitlin Clark, has successfully etched her name among the college basketball greats. Following an illustrious career spanning across four successful seasons, the 6 ft guard has tumbled many records and collected countless accolades. This begs the question of whether such immaculate talent runs deep within the Clark family.
Those who closely follow college basketball know all about Iowa’s No.22 has done so far. But does anyone have an idea regarding his two brothers? The NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer is not the only family member who is making the surname Clark worth remembering.
While Caitlin is currently showcasing her skills on the basketball court, Big Brother Blake has made quite a reputation for himself in football.
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Blake Clark trying it out on a football field.
The name Blake Clark rang so many bells when he was an active football player in his High School days. Deciding to be a quarterback, he leads the Dowling Catholic High School to three back-to-back state championships. This compelled him to continue being a part of the sport when he entered college. Unfortunately, his role as a quarterback for the Iowa State Cyclones didn’t turn out to be as impactful as he would’ve liked. With just a single pass as a freshman in 2019, his following three seasons could only make him a holder on field goals.
Nonetheless, he tried his hand at something else, which proved to be more productive for him. Evidently, according to the school’s official website, Blake joined the Student-Athlete Experience Committee. Besides this, he also became the vice president and later the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. All of this, while he was majoring in industrial engineering, resulted in him graduating as an outstanding senior in December 2022.
His father described his son as an ‘old soul’ in a 2021 interview with The Gazette. Anyhow, Caitlin said, “He was super athletic, but he wasn’t the most skilled, the most talented. He just really outworked people, and I think that’s kind of what I admire about him and what drove me when I was young.”
Meanwhile, the youngest Clark was showcasing his talent on multiple fronts.
The multi-talented younger brother of Caitlin Clark
Following in the footsteps of his siblings, Colin Clark also developed a keen understanding of sports. A graduate of the Dowling Catholic High School, he took part in the school’s track and field and basketball activities. However, witnessing his sister accomplishing wonders in Division I made him shift his focus towards the hardwood. He represented the varsity team before he finished his high school career.
Speaking on the support he gets from his siblings, the mother of the track and field and basketball athlete said, “I think Blake and Caitlin are always watching him online and following him, too. That is probably even more special to watch, and take the time to come back and watch him and support him, and beat up on him a little bit, too. That part has been amazing.”
Furthermore, she also opens up about how the three of them bond together in matters relating to sports.
The sibling chemistry in the Clark family
While Caitlin’s father Brent considers Blake as an ‘old soul’, his wife disagrees. According to her, the eldest Clark is ‘the boss’ between the three of them. Apparently, his counsel has been vital for both Caitlin and Colin whenever they wanna make important decisions regarding their lives. Being described as someone having a strong opinion, Anne expressed how both of them look up to Blake. She further adds, “Blake has the answers to everything and they kind of defer to Blake, just about their life and what they’re doing.”
Similarly, Brent Clark considers him to be a role model in the family. He went on and said, “His perspective, I think his patience, receptivity to others’ ideas and his ability to listen are all real positive traits that I think both Caitlin and our youngest son, Colin, probably certainly notice and probably try to model as best they can.”
In the meantime, these three siblings are not the only athletic members in the family tree.
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The sports DNA in the Clark family
Excelling in sports is ingrained in Caitlin Clark and her brothers. Their Dad Brent Clark, was quite a spectacle at Simpson College in Iowa. Evidently, he was a four-year letter winner from 1985 to 1988 in basketball and in baseball. Despite Anne not associating herself with any sport, her father, Bob Nizzi, coached the football team at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines.
Comprising of such a rich history and sports heritage, no wonder Caitlin Clark turned out to be such an impeccable athlete. Now, as she eyes national glory for the very first time, everyone from family to friends will be hoping she reaches heights no one has ever reached. Can she etch the surname Clark in golden letters? We’ll find out soon enough.
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