COLUMBUS, Ohio — Perhaps one of the biggest names in college basketball will be on the court in Columbus this coming weekend, as Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes go up against the lady Buckeyes Sunday, Jan. 21 for a noon tip off.

What You Need To Know

  • Katie Smith is a former OSU women's basketball star and now is the associate head coach for the Minnesota Lynx
  • The Classic for Columbus is an event hosted at the Schottenstein Center to raise money and awareness for HBCUs

  • Smith said the popularity of women's sports, particularly basketball, has increased but there's still a long way to go

But before Caitlin Clark, there was Katie Smith, the Logan native and OSU star who went on to play and coach in the WNBA. Decades after her debut, Smith continues to advocate for her sport and serve as a role model for female athletes. She was among big local names Tuesday at the kickoff event for the third annual Classic for Columbus College Basketball All-Star Game and Extraganza. It will be held at the Schottenstein Center on The Ohio State University campus April 20.

Smith said she felt honored to be able to pour into the community that poured so much into her.

“For me to be able to continue to. To give back to. To show up. To give representation to women's sports and basketball. It means the world to me. And that's and that's what I want to do. I want to. I want to be that person that continues to give back because people gave so much to me. They let us and I'm just trying to do my part to say thanks,” said Smith.

Smith will serve as an honorary co-chair of the event, along with former Columbus mayor Michael Coleman, outgoing Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith and Rep. Joyce Beatty, who attended Monday's event. 

“It's a celebration. It's a celebration of our students, of our culture, of entrepreneurship. It makes a difference in the lives when we come together. Yes, we'll be socializing. But think about this. There will be close to $1 million scholarships that will be given out,” said Rep. Beatty, D-OH 3rd District. 

To learn more and buy tickets for the event, visit classicforcolumbus.com.