Clark provided insightful commentary when questioned about her esteemed honors.
The 2024 season is almost halfway over, and the Indiana Fever are trying to stay in the WNBA playoff picture. Caitlin Clark, a rookie guard, is off to a great start in her professional career. After an incredible run with the Iowa women’s basketball team, Clark moved to Indiana. She discussed the accolade she received at the Fever-Mercury game, having won a significant award at the 2024 ESPYS thanks to her work with the Hawkeyes.
After winning the 2024 ESPY for Best Women’s College Athlete, Clark responded to the recognition with wisdom:
“Yeah, I was watching it live. I was just sitting on my couch by myself. Something that really stood out to me was how much women’s basketball was a part of the show. It shows where women’s basketball is going and, obviously, women’s athletics in general,” Clark said, according to ClutchPoints’ Fever Reporter Matthew Byrne.
In addition to her college athlete honor, Clark won the Best Record-Breaking Performance ESPY, becoming the first woman to do so. Clark expressed surprise that this feat hadn’t been achieved earlier.
“Yeah, I didn’t know that until my little brother sent it to me this morning. It probably shouldn’t have taken this long for a woman to win that award in my eyes, just because I grew up supporting so many different female athletes that I idolized and loved. The amount of records I saw people break… how did Serena Williams never win that award? That’s crazy.”
“Hopefully, it’s the start of getting women more recognition and their accomplishments being acknowledged more. Obviously, it’s cool. It’s not something you would’ve guessed, honestly. But for me, it’s just something I’m really grateful for,” Clark added.
Caitlin Clark, Fever look to continue growing
The dynamic duo of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston is continuing to flourish and benefit the Indiana Fever. Both players were named WNBA All-Stars due to their strong performances in the early part of the 2024 season, and their synergy is only expected to improve. Clark praised Boston for her positive influence in the locker room.
“She’s such a positive light in our locker room,” Clark said about Boston after the July 9 practice, according to Byrne. “She’s been somebody that’s been really helpful throughout my rookie year, having gone through it just a year ago. You can tell our chemistry is really coming along. A lot of that has developed through games, so the more practice we get together, the better it’s gonna get.”
Boston’s strong presence is expected to help Indiana during challenging times throughout the season. In 23 games, Boston is averaging 13.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and an impressive 40 percent from three-point range. Her connection with Clark helps maintain the effectiveness of the Fever’s scoring attack.
Clark, the star rookie guard, is also aiming to continue improving after a strong first half of the season. She is averaging 16.7 points, 7.6 assists, 1.5 steals, and shooting 34.2 percent from deep.
It was great to see Clark represent the Fever at the ESPYS. If she keeps working hard, she and her teammates will likely gain even more recognition.