Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year, marking a monumental achievement not only for her but also for women's sports, following her remarkable impact both on the court and beyond. After leading the Iowa Hawkeyes to their second consecutive national championship game, she broke the NCAA Division I career scoring record with 3,951 points, making her mark as one of the most influential players of her generation.
Clark's path to stardom only intensified when she was selected first overall by the Indiana Fever during the 2024 WNBA Draft. Not only did she step onto the professional stage as the top pick, but she also quickly established herself as one of the league’s premier talents. Averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals with impressive shooting percentages, Clark was named Rookie of the Year and earned All-WNBA First Team honors—all during her debut season.
Her trailblazing success extended beyond personal accolades. Clark’s presence on the court has drawn millions of fans to women's basketball, fundamentally shifting the conversation around the sport. During her rookie season, WNBA television viewership surged by 300 percent, highlighting the demand for women’s basketball. Fans flocked to sold-out arenas and engaged with her games on television, reflecting an unprecedented level of interest and enthusiasm.
"It was a great year for women’s basketball and women’s sports," Clark stated after receiving the award. Drawing on her love of the game, she acknowledged the influence of her predecessors, saying, "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 and I’m thankful." This recognition marks her as the fourth women's basketball player to receive the award since its inception in 1931, joining the legendary ranks of Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, and Candace Parker.
Clark's ability to captivate audiences reached new heights during pivotal moments—like when the NCAA women’s championship game outdrew the men’s for the first time, with 18.9 million viewers tuning in. This was the most-watched women's sporting event outside of the Olympics, showcasing the rising stars of women’s sports, and putting Clark at the forefront.
Legendary coach Dawn Staley praised Clark by saying, "I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport," recognizing her contributions not only through her gameplay but also through the visibility she brought to women's basketball. Staley’s comment came as the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrated their championship victory, emphasizing Clark's role as someone who uplifts her peers.
Former player and ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo lauded Clark’s handling of the intense public scrutiny she faced during the season, sharing, "She’s navigated it almost flawlessly. She has not done anything to tarnish this sort of mild persona she has." Clark's professionalism and maturity at such a young age have impressed many and have set her apart as not just a player, but also as a role model.
Reflecting on the past year, Clark expressed gratitude to those who supported her on her incredible ride. After all her achievements, she remains grounded, connecting with her fanbase and personally engaging with them before and after games. "For me, it’s still really fun... Seeing the fans going crazy is something I never take for granted," she shared, emphasizing the impact of her interactions with young fans.
This season, Clark accomplished several milestones including breaking her own single-game assist record with 19 assists. Her enthusiasm for the game, combined with her signature long-range shooting, has made her one of the most talked-about talents. With Indiana Fever games often at the top of ESPN's viewership charts, she is cementing her position as one of the most popular athletes across sports.
Rebecca Lobo, who celebrated the growth of women’s basketball during her own career, noted the unique moment we are witnessing now, stating, "There’s never been anything like this. This is a giant leap forward for all women’s sports." Clark's successful season has not just increased interest, but has shifted the cultural perception of women's athletics.
Concluding her reflections, Clark pointed out the enormity of the viewership numbers she helped achieve: "We outdrew the men’s Final Four." She emphasizes the collaborative spirit of women athletes cheering each other on as they continue to raise the profile of women’s sports together. These are remarkable times for the sport, driven by the passion and perseverance of players like Caitlin Clark.
With Clark's rising prominence, the future looks brighter than ever for women's basketball. Her ability to inspire and attract diverse audiences suggests we are on the eve of something transformative, where women's sports are poised to continually captivate and engage fans on new levels.
