Caitlin Clark, the 22-year-old basketball phenom, has had an incredible year in 2024. Named Time’s Athlete of the Year, Clark shattered records in college basketball and the WNBA. After leading the Iowa Hawkeyes to the national championship game and setting the all-time college basketball scoring record, she joined the Indiana Fever in the WNBA and set new rookie records for points, 3-pointers, and assists in a season.
Beyond her on-court performance, Clark had a significant impact on WNBA viewership and ticket sales. The Fever saw a 182% increase in attendance, with their game in Washington, D.C., setting an all-time record for WNBA attendance. Clark’s games drew in millions of viewers, making them some of the most-watched in years.
While Clark excelled on the court, she faced challenges off it, including being left off the Team USA roster for the Paris Olympics. Despite this disappointment, Clark used it as motivation to continue improving and making an impact in the basketball world.
Throughout the year, Clark also experienced backlash from some fans, who tried to create divisive and harmful narratives around her success. Addressing this toxicity, Clark urged her supporters to stop harassing others in her name, emphasizing that it was not a true reflection of who she is.
Looking forward, Clark is determined to continue making a positive impact on basketball and beyond. She was recently named to the All-WNBA first team alongside other top players in the league. With a bright future ahead, Caitlin Clark’s time is now.
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