Caitlin Clark’s remarkable influence has elevated women’s basketball to new heights in both college and the WNBA. Recently, she was awarded the title of AP Female Athlete of the Year, recognizing her significant contributions both on and off the court.
Having led Iowa to the national championship game, Clark unsurprisingly became the top selection in the WNBA draft. She quickly distinguished herself in the league, earning the prestigious rookie of the year honors. This achievement drew fans in droves to fully packed arenas and millions of viewers to their screens. Her spotlight on women’s basketball has also positively impacted other women’s sports leagues, bringing them greater visibility.
A collective of 74 sports journalists from The Associated Press participated in the voting process for the award. Clark garnered 35 votes, surpassing Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who received 25 votes, and boxer Imane Khelif, who tallied four votes.
Clark is now the fourth women’s basketball player to receive this accolade since its inception in 1931, joining the ranks of Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995), and Candace Parker (2008, 2021).
AP correspondent Shelley Adler reports on the AP’s female athlete of the year.
Reflecting on her achievement, Clark expressed gratitude, stating, “I grew up a fan of Candace Parker and the people who came before me, and to be honored in this way is super special. I’m thankful. It was a fantastic year for women’s basketball and women’s sports.”
Achieving a historic feat, Clark broke the NCAA Division I career scoring record, finishing with an incredible 3,951 points. Under her leadership, Iowa reached its second consecutive championship game. Following their loss to South Carolina, Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley acknowledged Clark’s significant role, declaring, “I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport.”
Despite her monumental success, Clark finds herself at the center of heated discussions and intense scrutiny, often facing online negativity aimed at her and other players in the league. Nevertheless, she has openly rejected this toxic discourse.
Reflecting on Clark’s ability to manage the pressures of stardom, Lobo commended her, saying, “I would say she’s navigated it almost flawlessly. She hasn’t had any major missteps during a time when you’re under constant scrutiny and attention.”
Following a whirlwind year in which she had limited time to fully process her accomplishments, Clark now recognizes the significance of the journey and those who accompanied her. “I’m thankful for the people I got to do it with. A year ago, I was still in the early part of my senior year in college… It’s amazing how quickly things can change, and now I can appreciate how great a college season it was,” she added.
After starting her WNBA career slowly, Clark found her rhythm, setting a new single-game assist record with an impressive 19 assists and finishing her rookie season with a total of 337 assists. Known for her long-range shooting, she reached the milestone of 100 three-pointers faster than any player in WNBA history, achieving this in just 34 games and helping the Indiana Fever make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Clark’s influence is also evidenced by the incredible fan support she receives. Indiana Fever games attracted sizable crowds, and her No. 22 jersey became a common sight both on the court and in the stands. As a testament to her impact, the University of Iowa plans to retire her jersey.
“You can’t overlook how dedicated her fan base is and the interest she generates through her actions,” remarked Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. “Caitlin truly stands out; her popularity transcends women’s sports.”
Clark enjoys engaging with her fanbase, often taking time before and after games to sign autographs. “For me, it’s still really fun. Whether it’s 5, 10, or 15 seconds, that can mean a lot to a young girl or boy,” she reflected. “Seeing the excitement of fans an hour before the game always reminds me how special this experience is.”
The attention Clark draws has led to record-breaking viewership across women’s sports. Her games have witnessed a staggering 300% increase in TV ratings, and the NCAA women’s championship game topped the men’s broadcast for the first time, drawing an incredible 18.9 million viewers. Additionally, the 2024 WNBA draft boasted the highest viewership in league history, pulling in 2.4 million viewers.
Clark credits this surge in interest not only to her efforts but also to the community of female athletes supporting one another, stating, “It’s a group achievement.” She acknowledged, “When we compare viewership to major events like the Men’s Final Four, it puts into perspective the growth we’ve achieved.”
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AP Sports Writer John Marshall contributed to this story from Phoenix.
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For more on the WNBA, visit https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball.
