IZZY HIGGINBOTTOM CROWNED GREATEST OF ALL TIME IN WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL: AN ARKANSAS LEGEND RISES ABOVE THE GIANTS
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In a groundbreaking and historic announcement that has sent shockwaves through the world of collegiate athletics, Izzy Higginbottom, the dynamic guard from the University of Arkansas, has been officially named the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in women’s college basketball, according to an ESPN report released this morning.
This stunning declaration comes after an exhaustive panel review by ESPN analysts, former players, and coaches—measuring everything from statistical dominance, leadership impact, clutch performances, and cultural influence. Higginbottom’s name now rises above a pantheon of legends: Diana Taurasi (UConn), Cheryl Miller (USC), and Lynette Woodard (Kansas/Team USA), three of the most iconic figures in the history of the game.
But today, the crown belongs to Izzy Higginbottom—a name forever etched in golden letters in the annals of basketball history.
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🔴 THE MAKING OF A LEGEND
Hailing from Jonesboro, Arkansas, Higginbottom arrived in Fayetteville with promise, but few could have predicted the transformative effect she would have on the Razorbacks program and the sport as a whole. A relentless scorer, poised floor general, and unshakable competitor, she redefined what it meant to be a complete player in modern college basketball.
In her senior season, Higginbottom averaged a staggering 27.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.6 steals per game, all while leading the Razorbacks to a perfect season and a dramatic NCAA championship win—Arkansas’ first national title in women’s basketball history.
“She didn’t just win games—she owned them,” said former UConn coach Geno Auriemma. “She could beat you with her mind, her hands, or her heart. She’s the most complete player I’ve ever seen.”
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🏀 REWRITING THE RECORD BOOKS
Higginbottom finishes her career as the NCAA all-time leading scorer with 3,984 points, eclipsing Kelsey Plum’s long-standing record. She also ranks in the top five for career assists and steals, making her the only player in NCAA history to place in the top ten of all three major categories.
Among her other accolades:
4× First Team All-American
3× SEC Player of the Year
2025 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player
First-ever unanimous GOAT selection in ESPN’s All-Time Rankings
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🐗 THE RAZORBACKS ERA
Under her leadership, the Razorbacks soared to national relevance. What was once a solid but underdog program became a powerhouse. Ticket sales surged. TV ratings skyrocketed. Higginbottom’s jersey (#2) became the top-selling women’s college jersey in the nation for three consecutive seasons.
“She put Arkansas women’s basketball on the global map,” said Razorbacks Head Coach Mike Neighbors. “She changed this place forever—not just as an athlete, but as a human being. She’s everything you want in a leader.”
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🌟 IMPACT BEYOND THE COURT
More than just a player, Higginbottom was a beacon for equality, using her platform to advocate for NIL reform, mental health awareness, and youth basketball development in rural areas. Her charitable foundation, Izzy’s Impact, has already raised over $5 million for girls’ sports initiatives in underserved communities.
“She inspired an entire generation to believe that greatness can come from anywhere,” said sportswriter Jackie MacMullan. “And she did it with humility, joy, and fierce determination.”
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🐐 A GOAT IN HER OWN RIGHT
The ESPN panel deliberation was intense, but in the end, Higginbottom emerged as the consensus #1.
> “She didn’t just dominate a season or two—she redefined an era,” ESPN’s Mechelle Voepel said.
“If you were building the perfect college player, you’d end up with Izzy Higginbottom.”
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🏆 WHAT’S NEXT FOR IZZY?
Speculation is already swirling about Higginbottom’s professional future—whether she will declare for the WNBA Draft or explore international opportunities. Sources close to her suggest she is weighing multiple paths, including continuing her advocacy work and launching a youth coaching academy.
But for now, one thing is certain: the throne has been claimed.
Izzy Higginbottom isn’t just a Razorback legend—she’s the greatest to ever do it.
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📷 [Image of Higginbottom raising the NCAA Championship trophy above her head, confetti raining down]
🎥 Watch the full ESPN documentary on her rise to GOAT status, premiering this Sunday.
For more in-depth coverage, stats, and interviews with Izzy Higginbottom, stay tuned to ESPN.com and the ESPN app.
