Tim McGraw paid tribute to Indiana Fever’s newest star, Caitlin Clark, at his Indianapolis concert on Thursday. Clark was selected with the first pick in the WNBA Draft, instantly making her one of the most prominent athletes in the area. McGraw took the stage with Clark’s jersey, and the Fever’s X account posted a nod to McGraw’s song “I Like It, I Love It.” Despite most sizes of Clark’s jersey selling out on Fanatics within an hour, McGraw was able to get one. Clark, a Midwest girl from Iowa, expressed her excitement about staying relatively close to home and playing in a state known for its love of basketball.
Clark heads into her WNBA rookie season with a strong following after an impressive college career. She averaged 28.4 points over four seasons with the Hawkeyes, including 31.6 points, 8.9 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game in her senior season. Clark made history by becoming the NCAA’s all-time points leader, finishing her career with 3,951 points and a 37.7% three-point shooting percentage. She also played a key role in some of the most-viewed women’s college basketball games of all time, including Iowa’s championship game against South Carolina, which drew 18.7 million views on ABC and peaked at 24 million viewers.
McGraw’s tribute to Clark at his concert highlights the excitement surrounding the young basketball prodigy. Clark’s impressive college career and record-breaking achievements have already earned her recognition as one of the greatest in women’s basketball by South Carolina’s coach Dawn Staley. Her success on the court has garnered millions of fans, positioning her as a rising star in the WNBA. With her talent and popularity, Clark is poised to make a significant impact in the league and further solidify her status as a basketball phenomenon.
The overwhelming response to Clark’s selection and record-breaking college career reflects the growing interest and support for women’s basketball. McGraw’s gesture at his concert symbolizes the unity and admiration within the sports community for young athletes like Clark who continue to push boundaries and break records. Clark’s journey from Iowa to the WNBA’s Indiana Fever showcases the power of determination and hard work in achieving one’s dreams, inspiring fans and aspiring athletes alike. With her talent, work ethic, and unwavering passion for the game, Clark is set to make a lasting impact on the basketball world and pave the way for future generations of female athletes.
