Caitlin Clark, a standout basketball player at Iowa Hawkeye and now poised to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, has been working towards her dreams since second grade when she wrote a note to herself outlining her goals for the future. She spoke of the excitement and whirlwind of this year, while also acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead as she transitions to playing professionally. Despite the high expectations placed on her, Clark remains confident in her abilities and the hard work she has put in to reach this point. She is looking forward to relying on her future teammates and not having to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders all the time.
Clark’s impact goes far beyond the court, as she has been inspiring young girls to pursue their basketball dreams and aspirations. She talks about the importance of being a role model and inspiring the next generation of female athletes, recalling her own idols in women’s basketball and soccer growing up. Clark is humbled by the support she receives from young fans, who show up courtside for autographs and selfies, and is grateful for the opportunity to inspire and make a difference in their lives. She sees the rise in popularity of women’s basketball as a positive trend, attributing it to increased visibility on a national stage and the implementation of policies like name, image, and likeness in college sports.
In the days leading up to turning pro, Clark made an appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” calling out host Michael Che for past comments about women’s sports and highlighting the achievements of women’s basketball legends who paved the way for her success. While she doesn’t get nervous for basketball games, Clark admitted that preparing for “SNL” was a bit scary and more daunting than playing in the national championship game. She values the smaller moments shared with her family and teammates off the court, cherishing those connections and experiences that are not always visible to the public. As she embarks on this next chapter in her basketball career, Clark remains grounded in her values and grateful for the opportunities she has been given.
Despite her accomplishments on and off the court, Clark remains focused on the hard work and dedication that have brought her to this point in her career. She attributes her success to daily practice and preparation, emphasizing the importance of confidence in her abilities and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Looking ahead to the possibility of playing in the Olympics this summer in Paris, Clark is driven by the dream of representing her country and achieving Olympic gold. She recognizes the impact that she can have on young girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps, and she is committed to being a positive role model and inspiration for the next generation of female athletes.
As she prepares to join the Indiana Fever as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft, Clark is grateful for the support she has received from fans and the opportunity to continue to grow the sport of women’s basketball. She sees the increasing interest and excitement around the WNBA as a positive sign that the league is expanding and reaching new fans. Clark is excited by the prospect of playing at the professional level and is eager to learn and grow as a player with the support of experienced veterans in the league. She remains confident in her abilities and looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as she continues to pursue her dreams and inspire others along the way.
