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Dowling girls basketball reflects on Caitlin Clark's legacy: 'She's a great role model'

Before Caitlin Clark became one of the biggest college basketball stars in the country, she was one of the top high school players at Dowling Catholic.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — By the end of Caitlin Clark's senior year at Dowling Catholic in 2019, she was a five-star recruit and ranked No. 4 on the all-time scoring list for 5-on-5 girls high school basketball in Iowa.

Now, she's the all-time NCAA women's basketball leading scorer and reigning unanimous national player of the year.

Her former coach at Dowling, Kristin Meyer, said it's been a joy to see Clark succeed at the college level and take the sport to new heights.

"It's hard to comprehend now when it's happening, let alone you know, five, six years ago," she said. "It's just not even in the realm of possibilities when you're looking forward. It's just been amazing to see the effect she's had on the game. Drawing fans in to watch women's sports, especially little kids watching and idolizing her and the attention she brought to the University of Iowa and the state of Iowa, it is really amazing to see."

Some of the same kids who watched Clark play in a Maroons jersey during her high school days are now playing for Dowling and still inspired by her game.

"She influences us every day, motivates us to work hard in everything we do," said junior forward Ellie Olson. "I just think it's so cool to know she's come from Dowling Catholic and to not only see the impact she's had on us but on younger girls."

Clark's competitive fire is another element of her game that really resonates with the team.

"We talk a lot about competitive fire and going for every rebound, doing what you can and just playing hard no matter what, things going your way or not," said junior guard Layla Trytten. "I think she does a great job of whether that's finding shots for herself or her teammates and that's something that we focus on here."

Clark left some pretty big shoes to fill, but she's inspired them to follow in her footsteps.

"Watching her succeed whether we get that far, just simply following in her footsteps knowing that we're capable of so much if we just work hard," Trytten added. "She's a great role model." 

Meyer and the entire Dowling coaching staff were in attendance for Thursday night's historic game against Michigan.

FROM 2019: Caitlin Clark drops 60 points against Mason City

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