She has surpassed Caitlin Clark in scoring, yet her name remains unfamiliar, and she’s content with that.
In the midst of Caitlin Clark embarking on her final post-season journey at the University of Iowa, having recently achieved a remarkable 3,685 career points and surpassing the all-time leading scorer record in NCAA Division 1, there exists an unfamiliar figure in St. Louis, contemplating whether Clark will outshine her historic basketball accomplishments.
Meet Grace Beyer, the other women’s college basketball standout who has quietly been shattering records and etching her name in history, far removed from the glare of fame, endorsements, and media attention.
Beyer concluded her phenomenal career at the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 2nd when her team bowed out in the semifinals of the women’s American Midwest Conference Tournament. In that final game, Beyer contributed 33 points, bringing her NAIA collegiate career points total to an impressive 3,961.
Surprisingly, Beyer’s tally surpasses Clark’s by 276 points, making her the current most prolific shooter in college basketball. Notably, she holds the all-time NAIA record and ranks fifth in college basketball history, irrespective of division.
Despite these remarkable achievements, Beyer remains modest about her records, her career, and being mentioned alongside Clark. In an interview with TODAY.com, the 23-year-old Beyer expresses her appreciation for Clark’s impact on women’s basketball while acknowledging the unique significance of her own accomplishments.
While Clark commands attention on the grander, more competitive Division 1 stage, Beyer’s record remains untouched. Clark draws thousands to sold-out arenas, whereas Beyer’s performances in smaller gyms attract crowds closer to 100 spectators – precisely what the Wisconsin native signed up for. Her collegiate journey, now in its fifth year at UHSP, aligns with her pursuit of a Doctorate of Pharmacy, symbolized by a school where the mascot dons a white lab coat and the teams go by the nickname Eutectics, representing the process of two solids forming a liquid.
Beyer’s dual passion for basketball and pharmacy traces back to her childhood in Eagle, Wisconsin, where she, alongside her two older brothers, honed her skills on the basketball court. Her dedication to improvement, instilled from a young age, led to her varsity debut at Mukwonago High School, where her team reached the state championship game.
The decision to prioritize academics over basketball in college arose from Beyer’s experiences caring for her ailing maternal grandfather, Bernard Wenninger, during her early high school years. Witnessing his struggle with medications sparked her interest in pharmacy, steering her away from the conventional Division 1 basketball route, where academic goals were often met with skepticism.
While Beyer acknowledges Clark’s prowess and enjoys watching her play, she remains diplomatic about the potential for Clark to surpass her points record, emphasizing the role of Iowa’s performance in the NCAA tournament. Beyer, who is recognized for her low-key demeanor on the court, appreciates Clark’s game, particularly her ability to make logo 3s.
Despite Clark’s widespread fame and lucrative NIL deals, Beyer holds no regrets about her decision to pursue a different path at UHSP, where she accomplished academic and athletic excellence. As she nears the completion of her doctorate, Beyer contemplates her future, leaving the door open for basketball if it aligns with her passion for the game.
Tribute to Grandpa
For Beyer, playing basketball was not just a personal pursuit; it was a tribute to her late grandfather, who witnessed her play once and inspired her pharmaceutical career. Reflecting on those moments, Beyer cherishes the significance of her journey, a testament to her dedication to both basketball and pharmacy.
