Caitlin Clark's Unforgettable Moment: Reflections on Being the No. 1 Pick in the WNBA Draft
Caitlin Clark's inevitable rise to the top spot in the 2024 WNBA draft was a moment of a lifetime. Dive into her thoughts and emotions as she shares what it means to achieve this remarkable milestone in her career.
There was no doubt that Caitlin Clark would be the top pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. As the former Iowa Hawkeyes standout, she now holds the record for the most points scored in a single season in women's basketball and is the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history for both men and women. Clark will begin her professional journey with the Indiana Fever.
Clark, known for drawing large TV audiences and sold-out arena crowds during her last college season, is excited to join the Fever. She feels her passing skills, often underestimated, will shine in the team.
The 22-year-old is thrilled to play alongside Aliyah Boston, the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year and the first pick in last year's draft, who plays forward for the Fever.
"I believe what captures everyone's hearts is the scoring and long shots," shared Clark. "And joining a team with one of the best post players in the world, Boston, is a dream come true for me.
"As a point guard, I am thrilled at the opportunity. I have played with Aliyah before on the Under-19 Team USA squad, so I am really looking forward to this new chapter. I am excited and can't wait to get started."
"There's a lot to praise about her. She's been named Rookie of the Year and, in my opinion, one of the top players in the league. As a point guard, my main role is to pass the ball to Aliyah every day. I'll always be there to support her and encourage her to score. With Aliyah on my team, the game becomes much simpler for me."
Clark poses with No. 2 pick Cameron Brink and No. 7 pick Angel Reese.
Clark poses with No. 2 pick Cameron Brink and No. 7 pick Angel Reese.
Adam Hunger/AP
"She's amazing, but what I admire most about her is that she's a wonderful person. She's passionate about the game, knowledgeable about the game, and she wholeheartedly supports the game. Her infectious smile brightens the lives of many and brings joy to those who watch her. I'm eagerly looking forward to being her teammate once more."
"Clark has been having an 'insane' time recently."
Clark describes the past few weeks as "pretty insane." She had a short two-day break at home, just enough time to enjoy a home-cooked meal from her mom, after the tough loss to South Carolina in the NCAA Championship Game. Soon after, she jetted off to Los Angeles and then New York for Monday's draft.
"I feel incredibly fortunate to be in this moment and to have all these amazing opportunities. They are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences," she says, reflecting on a whirlwind couple of months.
"When things start to feel overwhelming or tiring, I always remind myself to see it as a chance of a lifetime. Not everyone gets to do what I do. I try to cherish every single experience because I know how fast it all goes by, and I have a lot of support from the people around me."
Clark is currently working on a documentary for ESPN and Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions. She is not only acting as an executive producer but also appearing in the documentary alongside Kamilla Cardoso from the Chicago Sky and Kiki Rice from UCLA Bruins.
Clark encourages both women’s basketball fans and non-fans to watch the show when it is released. She has already seen parts of it and describes it as absolutely amazing.
Understanding the student-athlete goes beyond just their skills in basketball, and this is crucial. It gives insight into who they are as a whole person.
Clark has been exploring various off-court opportunities in addition to her basketball journey. These include sponsorships, NIL deals, and business ventures.
Clark Fever jerseys are in high demand.
Clark Fever jerseys are in high demand.
Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
She is undoubtedly one of the most marketable athletes in the US, with her new Fever jersey reportedly selling out the same night she was drafted.
Clark believes that her ability to manage various aspects of her life and handle the stress and expectations in college will benefit her in the WNBA. She feels that her experience in balancing different responsibilities has prepared her well for this new chapter.
Sponsorships remain unchanged. I have received valuable support and guidance from the people around me, including agents, over the past year. I believe I wouldn't be where I am now without many of them.
"My mom and dad have played significant roles in my journey. I believe that's the most important aspect. My advice would be to rely on the support of those around you," Clark emphasized.
I don’t have to do every single thing. In college, I always prioritized basketball as my main focus. This focus has opened up many opportunities for me in life, both on and off the court.
Going into my professional career, I intend to continue with the same mindset. My sole focus remains on basketball, striving to be the best player I can be.
Clark is set to graduate from Iowa on May 14th. She expresses her excitement about not having to go to school anymore and mentions that she can now fully focus on her professional basketball career.
She will be joining a team that has struggled to secure wins in recent years. The Fever's last playoff appearance was in 2016, where they were eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Mercury.
Iowa retired Clark's No. 22 jersey.
Iowa retired Clark's No. 22 jersey.
Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Clark says the main goal for the team is to “get back to championship habits.”
"I feel very fortunate to be joining an organization that truly values women's basketball," she expresses. "Just look at today, they had 17,000 tickets claimed just to watch the draft. This really shows the enthusiasm in Indianapolis, which is a fantastic basketball city.
"Without a doubt, what the Pacers have achieved this year in the playoffs is remarkable. I am truly thrilled. As you mentioned, there is a lot of young talent on the team, and our main objective is to return to the playoffs and strive to win as many basketball games as possible."
The new WNBA season gets under way on May 14, with training camps beginning on April 28 and pre-season games on May 3.
Editor's P/S:
Caitlin Clark, a prodigious talent in women's basketball, has embarked on her professional journey with the Indiana Fever after being the top pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. With her exceptional skills and star power, Clark is poised to make an immediate impact on the team. Her arrival has generated great excitement among fans and ignited hopes of a resurgence for the Fever. Clark's presence alongside fellow standout Aliyah Boston promises a formidable duo that could lead the team back to the playoffs.
Beyond her on-court abilities, Clark is also a role model off the court. Her dedication to education, pursuit of off-court opportunities, and commitment to community involvement demonstrate her well-rounded character. As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, Clark's unwavering determination and support system will undoubtedly serve her well as she strives to excel both on and off the basketball court.
