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From The GIST (hi@thegistsports.com)
Hey there!
Only four days in and March is already bringing all sorts of madness, with history on the hardwood, stunning performances on the pitch, and some surprise celeb sightings along the way. Sicko mode, loading.
— GOAT of women’s hoops and social justice advocate, Maya Moore Irons, calling it like it is as the women’s game reaches new levels of popularity, thanks in part to her biggest fan Caitlin Clark’s record-setting performances.
Caitlin Clark record chase
🎓🏀 At the top it isn’t lonely
The GIST: No. 6 Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark is now the all-time NCAA leading scorer after breaking former LSU and NBA standout Pete Maravich’s 54-year-old record in yesterday’s regular-season finale win over No. 2 Ohio State.
How it happened: Entering the game needing 18 points to dethrone Pistol Pete, Clark took care of business before halftime, sealing the record by nailing two free throws late in the second quarter. The senior added 17 points after the break to lead all scorers with 35. Because of course.
The impact: From the way it’s amplified women’s college basketball history to the immediate impact on her likely future landing spot (the WNBA’s current No. 1 draft-pick holder, the Indiana Fever) to how it’s tear-jerkingly brought people together, Clark’s game is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
- Put it on a billboard, embroider it on a vest, take out a second mortgage to get tickets — the Caitlin Clark Effect is in full force.
What’s next: With yesterday’s win, Clark’s Hawkeyes locked in the No. 2 seed in the already sold-out Big Ten tournament, which tips off later this week. Then comes March Madness, where last year’s runners-up Iowa will be on the hunt for a return to the title game…and a storybook ending for WNBA-bound Clark. The rest is still unwritten.
Concacaf W Gold Cup
⚽ Gold rush, incoming
The GIST: After a thrilling weekend of international footy, the first-ever Concacaf W Gold Cup semifinals are set, with four regional powers still fighting for the inaugural trophy as the 2024 Paris Olympics loom large. Time to show up and show out.
No. 2 USWNT vs. No. 23 Colombia: The Americans stepped up last night, beating Colombia 3–0 in a chippy affair behind outstanding performances from breakout star forward Jaedyn Shaw and goalie Alyssa Naeher — a much-needed show of dominance following the team’s disappointing group stage finale.
What’s next: A semis showdown against our northern neighbors, reigning Olympic champions No. 10 CanWNT, on Wednesday at 10:15 p.m. ET. Though the red and white are undefeated this tourney, they struggled to score in their quarters match and could have trouble against the notoriously strong American backline. More to come on matchday — bring it on.
Together With The GIST
🎙️ Sound off
Looking for a new listen? Check out our twice-weekly podcast, The GIST of It. Hosted by BFFs Ellen Hyslop and Stephanie Rotz, it’s the women-produced and -hosted sports pod you’ve been waiting for.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our listeners are saying:
- “They are enthusiastic and funny, and I don’t miss an episode!” (Ronbenlisa)
- “The best sports podcast on the air!” (_Jo777)
- “Finally a podcast that gives women’s sports the attention it deserves.” (Dnp!!)
Join the conversation (and these happy listeners!) by subscribing to The GIST of It wherever you listen to podcasts.
⚽ USWNT forward Catarina Macario made her Women’s Super League debut for Chelsea yesterday and scored a goal for the Blues in her first game-action since injuring her ACL in June 2022. Back like she never left.
🏀 LA Lakers superstar LeBron James is now the first NBA player to score 40K career points, achieving the mark a little more than one year after surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the all-time league scoring record. Witnessing greatness.
🏎️ Three-time defending champion Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won Saturday’s F1 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing ahead of teammate Sergio Pérez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. It’s déjà vu all over again.
🎓🏀 No. 1 South Carolina women’s basketball beat Tennessee 76–68 in yesterday’s regular-season finale, securing their second straight undefeated regular season. Simply dominant.
🎓🥎 No. 1 Oklahoma softball saw their NCAA Division I record 71-game win streak snapped by yesterday’s 7–5 extra-innings loss to the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, the Sooners’ first loss since February 2023. March madness, indeed.
👟 Kenya’s Benson Kipruto and Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa Kebede set new Tokyo Marathon records yesterday, finishing the 26.2-mile race in 2:02:16 and 2:15:55, respectively.
⛳ Australia’s Hannah Green nailed a clutch birdie on the final hole to win the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore yesterday, her fourth career LPGA win.
⚽ Inter Miami CF teammates and besties Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez netted two goals apiece in the Herons’ 5–0 win over Orlando City SC on Saturday. A cheat code.
Together With The GIST
As a GISTer, you know that our community members are multi-faceted. GISTers are sports fans, fashion lovers, athletes, parents, TikTokers, co-workers, the list goes on and on.
The companies GISTers work for also make great partners. If your company wants to authentically reach folks like yourself, we’d love to chat.
Here’s what has GIST HQ buzzing:
❣️ What to gush about
This friendship. Athletes Unlimited Basketball star Natasha Cloud’s biggest fan Aubrey just started her own clothing company and it features some wholesome looks.
💇 What to shop
Cécred, Beyoncé’s newly announced hair care line offering treatments that promise to moisturize, strengthen, and boost shine for all hair types and textures.
⚽ How to celebrate Women’s History Month
With IDA Sports. Watch A Short History of History to unlock 10% off your next pair of their one-of-a-kind women’s specific soccer cleats. This one’s for the girls.
Question of the Day
With the Concacaf W Gold Cup semis officially set, let’s hear your thoughts: Who do you think will win it all? Cast your vote below while we wait for Wednesday’s matchups.
Today’s email was brought to you by Lauren Tuiskula, Alessandra Puccio, Marga Sison, Lisa Minutillo, and Briana Ekanem. Editing by Laura Pastore, Janine Kiefer, Emma Leishman, Rachel Fuenzalida, and Lindsay Jost. Fact-checking by Annie Chan. Ops by Marga Sison and Annie Chan. Ads by Katie Kehoe Foster, Alexis Allison, and Dee Lab. Managing edits by Lauren Tuiskula. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.