Gaitlin Clark elevated women’s basketball to unparalleled heights, reshaping its presence in college and professional arenas. On Tuesday, her impact was recognized as she was named the AP Female Athlete of the Year.
Clark’s historic year saw her lead the Iowa Hawkeyes to the national championship game before being selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft. She went on to claim Rookie of the Year honors in the league, drawing sellout crowds and captivating millions of TV viewers throughout her journey. Her influence extended beyond basketball, casting a spotlight on other women’s sports leagues.
The award, voted on by 74 Associated Press sports journalists and members, saw Clark receive 35 votes, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles earn 25 votes for second place, and boxer Imane Khelif secure third with four votes. Clark is only the fourth women’s basketball player to earn this honor since the award’s inception in 1931, joining Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995), and Candace Parker (2008, 2021).
“I grew up admiring Candace Parker and others who came before me,” Clark said in a phone interview. “To receive this honor is incredibly special, and I’m thankful. It’s been a remarkable year for women’s basketball and women’s sports.”
Shohei Ohtani, a three-time winner, was named AP Male Athlete of the Year the day prior.
A Record-Breaking Career and Unmatched Impact
During her collegiate career, Clark shattered the NCAA Division I career scoring record for both men and women, finishing with 3,951 points. She also led Iowa to its second consecutive national championship game. Despite losing the title to South Carolina, Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley acknowledged Clark’s contributions: “I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for elevating our sport.”
Beyond her success, Clark has faced online criticism and toxicity, which she has publicly disavowed. Rebecca Lobo, a former AP Female Athlete of the Year, commended Clark’s poise.
“She has navigated the spotlight almost flawlessly,” Lobo said. “She hasn’t had any major missteps or misstatements despite being under constant scrutiny. Her grace and authenticity are remarkable.”
Reflecting on her transformative year, Clark expressed gratitude for her teammates and supporters. “A year ago, I was still early in my senior year of college. It’s incredible how quickly life changes,” she said.
Iowa’s games sold out at home and on the road, with Clark as the main attraction. This momentum continued into the WNBA, where her No. 22 jersey became iconic. Iowa announced plans to retire her jersey.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, a frequent courtside presence at Clark’s games, highlighted her immense popularity. “She’s one of the most popular athletes globally, transcending women’s sports. It’s incredible how she manages it all with such grace,” he said.
Clark cherishes connecting with fans, often signing autographs before and after games. “Even a few seconds with a fan can have a huge impact,” she said. “Seeing fans’ excitement is something I never take for granted.”
Clark’s Historic WNBA Debut
Despite a slow start, Clark flourished in her rookie WNBA season. She set records for single-game assists (19) and total assists in a season (337). Known for her deep 3-point shooting, she became the fastest player to hit 100 3-pointers, achieving the feat in just 34 games, and helped the Indiana Fever reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Rebecca Lobo praised Clark’s influence on the sport. “She’s brought unprecedented attention to women’s basketball, both in arenas and through viewership,” Lobo said. “This isn’t just a step forward—it’s a leap. The level of attention the sport now has is extraordinary.”
Unprecedented Viewership and Growth
Clark’s presence has led to record-breaking numbers:
WNBA Viewership: Increased by 300%, with record audiences for games broadcast on ABC, CBS, ION, ESPN, and ESPN2.
NCAA Women’s Championship: Drew 18.9 million viewers, surpassing the men’s game for the first time in its 42-year history and becoming the second most-watched women’s sporting event in U.S. television history outside the Olympics.
WNBA Draft: Attracted 2.4 million viewers, the most in league history.
Clark credits the collective efforts of women athletes for this surge in popularity. “It’s amazing to think about how many people are tuning in,” she said. “When you see numbers like 18 million, it puts into perspective just how significant this moment is. We even outdrew the men’s Final Four.”
