Caitlin Clark, the former Iowa Hawkeye star who has redefined the perception of women's basketball, received major accolades this 2024 season, igniting both praise and criticism from fans and the WNBA alike. Named the Associated Press (AP) Female Athlete of the Year on Christmas Eve, Clark's meteoric rise continues to break records and set new standards within the sport.
The 22-year-old athlete made headlines not just for her skills on the court but also for the significant influence she has had on the women's basketball scene. With 35 votes from sports journalists, she topped Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who received 25 votes, and boxer Imane Khelif, who earned four. This honor places her among elite company as only the fourth women’s basketball player to achieve this accolade since its inception in 1931, joining icons like Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, and Candace Parker.
Clark's year was nothing short of sensational. After leading Iowa to the NCAA championship game, where she broke the all-time college scoring record with 3,951 points, she became the first overall pick for the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft. During her debut season with the Fever, Clark averaged 19.2 points and led the league with 8.4 assists, securing the WNBA Rookie of the Year award almost unanimously. Her presence on the team propelled the Fever back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, showcasing her immediate impact on the league.
But not all has been smooth sailing for Clark. While fans celebrate her achievements, they have also expressed frustration over perceived inadequacies from the WNBA. Many supporters have accused the league of not adequately honoring her accomplishments, particularly when compared to how it celebrated past athletes like Parker. For example, when Clark won the AP award, the WNBA’s official response was simply to retweet the Associated Press announcement, lacking the personal touch and excitement typically reserved for notable achievements within the league.
One fan commented, “Girl all they did was retweet Caitlin’s post from the AP account. They have no class at all.” Such sentiments reflect growing concerns about Clark’s treatment, especially following previous snubs, including her absence from the U.S. Olympic roster earlier this year. With the WNBA’s promotional efforts focusing on playoff teams, fans found it telling (and somewhat disappointing) when the Indiana Fever's promotional materials failed to include Clark's star power.
Clark herself has managed to stay humble amid the accolades. “I grew up a fan of Candace Parker and the people who came before me. To be honored this way is super special, and I’m thankful,” she acknowledged. Her recognition extends beyond personal achievements; she credits her success as part of a larger movement for women’s sports to gain the attention and respect it deserves. “It was a great year for women’s basketball and women’s sports,” she added, reflecting on the broader impact of her achievements.
The surge of interest surrounding Clark during her debut season also translated to increased viewership for the WNBA. Reports indicate TV ratings soared by 300% largely due to Clark’s presence both on and off the court. Networks covering her games have reported record-breaking numbers, and the NCAA women’s championship game attracted more viewers than the men’s final for the first time, marking historic milestones for women’s sports.
Despite her success, Clark has not been immune to negative commentary. Online discourse includes scrutiny and toxicity directed at her and other athletes, which she has previously denounced. Interestingly, she acknowledged her white privilege when discussing her rise through the ranks, simplifying what is often complex and contentious dialogue about race, gender, and athleticism.
With every achievement, Clark faces new expectations and scrutiny. Lobo, herself a former AP Female Athlete of the Year, remarked on how Clark manages the attention. “I would say she’s navigated it almost flawlessly. She hasn’t had any big missteps or misspeaks at a time you’re under constant scrutiny. That’s just incredible,” Lobo noted, recognizing Clark's ability to maintain composure and grace.
Looking to the future, analysts suggest the WNBA is well aware of Clark's cultural significance and may soon leverage her star power for greater global reach. Plans are reportedly underway for the WNBA to promote international games featuring the Indiana Fever, allowing Clark's influence to extend far beyond U.S. borders.
Undoubtedly, Caitlin Clark’s influence on women's basketball may continue to propel the sport to unprecedented heights, but as she champions the future of the league, the WNBA must bridge the gap between her achievements and their acknowledgment. Whether the league will rise to the occasion remains to be seen—yet for now, Clark has firmly cemented her place as one of the sport's most pivotal figures.
