Caitlin Clark has elevated women’s basketball to unprecedented heights, making a significant impact in both college basketball and the WNBA. On Tuesday, her efforts were recognized as she was named the AP Female Athlete of the Year for her achievements both on and off the court.
After leading the University of Iowa to the national championship game, Clark was the top pick in the WNBA draft and went on to earn Rookie of the Year honors. Her electrifying performances drew sold-out crowds and millions of television viewers, shining a spotlight on women’s sports as a whole.
The award was decided by 74 sports journalists from The Associated Press and its members. Clark received 35 votes, followed by Olympic gymnast Simone Biles with 25 and boxer Imane Khelif with 4. Clark is only the fourth women’s basketball player to receive this honor since it was first awarded in 1931, joining Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995), and Candace Parker (2008, 2021).
“I grew up admiring Candace Parker and others who paved the way,” Clark said in a phone interview. “To receive this recognition is incredibly special, and I’m so thankful. It’s been a phenomenal year for women’s basketball and sports in general.”
Shohei Ohtani was named the AP Male Athlete of the Year on Monday, earning the award for the third time.
A Record-Breaking College Career
Clark concluded her college career as the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer—across both men’s and women’s basketball—with 3,951 points. She led Iowa to back-to-back national championship games, though her Hawkeyes fell to South Carolina in the final. During the Gamecocks’ celebration, head coach Dawn Staley acknowledged Clark’s contributions, saying, “I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport.”
Despite her remarkable success, Clark has also been at the center of debates and online toxicity, a reality she has publicly disavowed.
Raebecca Lobo, a former AP Female Athlete of the Year, praised Clark’s ability to navigate the intense scrutiny that accompanies her fame.
“She’s handled everything with such poise,” Lobo said. “At a time when every move is watched, she’s managed to stay grounded. She hasn’t had any major missteps—she’s been incredible.”
Reflecting on her journey, Clark expressed gratitude for her teammates and the support system around her.
“Looking back, I’m so thankful for the people who were part of this journey,” Clark said. “A year ago, I was just beginning my senior season in college. It’s amazing how quickly things change and how incredible that season was.”
From College Star to WNBA Sensation
During her time at Iowa, Clark was the main attraction, with games regularly selling out both at home and on the road. Her popularity only grew in the WNBA, where her No. 22 jersey became a staple in arenas across the country and is now set to be retired at Iowa.
“She’s not just a star in women’s sports anymore; she’s one of the most popular athletes in the world,” said Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who often attended Clark’s Indiana Fever games. “Her fan base is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and she handles it with such grace.”
Clark has also made it a point to connect with fans, taking time before and after games to sign autographs and interact with supporters.
“For me, it’s still so much fun,” Clark said. “Even a few seconds can make a huge difference in a young fan’s life. Seeing the excitement in the crowd is something I never take for granted.”
Breaking Records in the WNBA
After a slow start to her rookie season, Clark found her rhythm, setting a single-game record with 19 assists and ending the season with 337 assists, another league record. Known for her long-range shooting, she became the fastest player to reach 100 three-pointers, accomplishing the feat in just 34 games. Her performance helped the Indiana Fever secure their first playoff appearance since 2016.
Changing the Game
Lobo, who was instrumental in the early days of the WNBA, described Clark’s impact as transformative.
“She’s brought unprecedented attention to the sport, both in arenas and on television,” Lobo said. “This isn’t just a step forward; it’s a giant leap. The attention she’s drawn to women’s basketball is unparalleled.”
The numbers back this up:
WNBA Viewership: Thanks largely to Clark, TV ratings increased by 300%, with record audiences tuning in to ABC, CBS, ION, ESPN, and ESPN2 for Fever games.
NCAA Championship Game: For the first time in history, the women’s championship outdrew the men’s, with 18.9 million viewers—a record for women’s sports outside the Olympics.
WNBA Draft: The 2024 draft was the most-watched in league history, drawing 2.4 million viewers.
Clark attributes the growing popularity of women’s sports to collective efforts.
“It’s not just me; it’s a community of women athletes who’ve made this possible,” Clark said. “When you see numbers like 18 million viewers, it’s amazing. It puts into perspective just how far we’ve come.”
— AP Sports Writer John Marshall contributed to this story from Phoenix.
