Caitlin Clark, the standout women’s college basketball player, has made history by being drafted as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft.
With her selection, 22-year-old Clark solidifies her status as one of the greatest collegiate players of all time. Known for her exceptional scoring ability, she holds the title of the all-time leading scorer in both men’s and women’s college basketball, setting records such as the most three-point shots in a single season, previously held by professional player Steph Curry.
Expressing her excitement after the announcement, Clark said, “I can’t wait,” emphasizing the competitive nature of the WNBA and the need to bring her best performance every game.
Reflecting on her journey, Clark shared, “I dreamed of this moment since I was in second grade,” highlighting the dedication and perseverance it took to reach this milestone.
Clark’s entry into the WNBA draft follows her remarkable collegiate career at the University of Iowa, where she concluded her final season as a senior. Despite her team’s loss in the women’s NCAA tournament championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks, Clark’s impact on the sport has been profound, drawing significant attention and contributing to a surge in interest in women’s college basketball, dubbed the Caitlin Clark Effect.
In addition to Clark, other notable players selected in the draft include Kamilla Cardoso from the University of South Carolina, drafted third by the Chicago Sky, and Angel Reese from Louisiana State University, drafted seventh by Chicago as well.
The increasing recognition of women’s basketball is evident, with viewership soaring and dedicated spaces like the Sports Bra, a bar in Oregon exclusively showcasing women’s sports, gaining prominence. As Jenny Nguyen, the bar’s owner, remarked, “It feels like everyone else is just catching up… it’s about damn time.”