This past Monday, Caitlin Clark, University of Iowa basketball star was selected first round pick by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA draft.
Hosted in Brooklyn, New York, Clark was embraced by family and friends when her name was called out prior to walking onto the podium. In 2020, Clark began her college basketball journey as Iowa’s starting point guard in her freshman season. Throughout her journey, she has brought attention to women’s college basketball through her long-range shooting skills and speed in scoring.
When besties are league bound 🥹@CaitlinClark22 & @kate_martin22 of @IowaWBB are both headed to the W! pic.twitter.com/e5dbRHTeFk
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 16, 2024
She was quoted saying, “I got a little anxious there before the pick…I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was in the second grade…I earned it and that’s why I’m so proud of it.”
Hawkeye Nation is so proud of you, @CaitlinClark22! The #1 pick in the #WNBADraft is #22. 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/OVlEyloFeR
— University of Iowa (@uiowa) April 15, 2024
At the 2024 NCAA women’s national championship game, April 7th, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ lost against the South Carolina Gamecocks marking it as the first time a women’s title game had a higher television rating than a men’s championship game. As well as the most watched basketball game since 2019, according to ESPN.
The first round of the 2024 WNBA draft is set 👏 pic.twitter.com/Njf9O53RFy
— ESPN (@espn) April 16, 2024
South Carolina head coach, Dawn Staley, spoke of Clark stating “I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport,” Staley said. “She carried a heavy load for our sport and it just is not going to stop here on the collegiate tour, but when she is the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, she’s going to lift that league up as well. Caitlin Clark, if you’re out there, you are one of the GOATs of our game and we appreciate you.”
As a result of the success of Clark’s Iowa season, the university has announced they will be retiring the No.22 jersey of the athlete.
— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) February 29, 2024
With the WNBA season starting May 14, Clark is expected to have an exhilarating season this summer.
OMG SO GOOD