Clark honored for impact on women’s basketball
Caitlin Clark has elevated women’s basketball to unprecedented heights at both the college level and in the WNBA. On Tuesday, she was named the AP Female Athlete of the Year, a recognition of her immense impact on and off the court.
After leading Iowa to the national championship game, Clark was the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft and went on to win Rookie of the Year honors. Her performances drew record-breaking crowds to sold-out arenas, while millions tuned in to watch her games. Clark’s influence extended beyond basketball, shining a light on women’s sports as a whole.
A panel of 74 sports journalists from The Associated Press and its members voted for the award. Clark received 35 votes, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles garnered 25, and boxer Imane Khelif came in third with four votes.
Clark became only the fourth women’s basketball player to win this honor since its inception in 1931, joining legends Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995), and Candace Parker (2008, 2021).
“I grew up a fan of Candace Parker and the people who came before me, so to be honored in this way is incredibly special. I’m thankful,” Clark said in a phone interview. “This was a great year for women’s basketball and women’s sports.”
Shohei Ohtani was named AP Male Athlete of the Year on Monday, marking his third win.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Clark’s on-court achievements have been historic. She set the NCAA Division I career scoring record for both men and women, finishing with 3,951 points. Her leadership propelled Iowa to its second consecutive national championship game. Although her Hawkeyes fell to South Carolina in the final, Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley publicly thanked Clark for her role in elevating the sport.
Despite her success, Clark has also faced online toxicity and criticism directed at her and other players. She has consistently condemned such negativity, focusing instead on the positive aspects of her impact.
Rebecca Lobo, a former AP Female Athlete of the Year, praised the way the 22-year-old Clark has handled the spotlight.
“She’s navigated it almost flawlessly,” Lobo said. “She hasn’t made any major missteps or controversial statements, which is impressive given the constant scrutiny she’s under. Her grace and poise are remarkable.”
A Year of Reflection
Clark expressed gratitude for the journey and those who supported her along the way.
“AP FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEARA year ago, I was in the middle of my senior year in college,” Clark said. “It’s incredible how quickly things have changed. Looking back, I can really appreciate the amazing college season we had.”
During her time at Iowa, Clark was a major attraction, driving sold-out games both at home and on the road. That momentum carried into her professional career, where her No. 22 jersey became a bestseller and will soon be retired by Iowa.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, a regular attendee at Clark’s games, highlighted her unique appeal.
“She’s one of the most popular athletes in the world. It’s no longer just about women’s sports,” Haliburton said. “It’s incredible to watch her handle it all with such grace.”
Clark values her interactions with fans, often taking time to sign autographs before and after games.
“It’s still really fun for me,” Clark said. “Even a few seconds can have a big impact on a young girl or boy. I never take that for granted.”
Professional Success
Clark had a strong debut season in the WNBA, breaking records for assists and 3-pointers. She set the single-game assist record with 19 and finished the season with 337 assists. Her long-distance shooting prowess also made her the fastest player to reach 100 three-pointers, helping the Indiana Fever reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Rebecca Lobo compared Clark’s rise to the early days of the WNBA, calling it a giant leap forward for the sport.
“She’s brought unprecedented attention to women’s basketball,” Lobo said. “This isn’t just a step forward; it’s a leap. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Record-Breaking Numbers
Clark’s games drew massive viewership, breaking records across multiple platforms:
WNBA TV viewership increased by 300%, with record audiences for games aired on ABC, CBS, ION, ESPN, and ESPN2.
The 2024 NCAA women’s championship game drew 18.9 million viewers, surpassing the men’s Final Four for the first time in history.
The 2024 WNBA Draft became the most-watched in league history, attracting 2.4 million viewers.
Clark credits the collective efforts of women athletes for these achievements.
“It’s amazing to think about how many people 18 million is,” she said. “When you compare it to other major sporting events, it really puts it in perspective. We outdrew the men’s Final Four.”
A Lasting Legacy
As her career continues to soar, Clark remains a trailblazer, bringing unprecedented attention to women’s sports while inspiring future generations. “Seeing the fans so excited before games is something I never want to lose,” she said.
With her talent, humility, and impact, Caitlin Clark has cemented herself as a global icon in sports.
