Caitlin Clark has rose in women’s basketball to unprecedented heights, both in college and the WNBA, earning her the title of AP Female Athlete of the Year for her influence on and off the court. Her impact has resonated across sports, creating a ripple effect that brought new attention to women’s leagues worldwide.
After guiding Iowa to the national championship game, Clark was the top pick in the WNBA Draft, as many had anticipated, and later earned Rookie of the Year honors.
Her journey captivated fans, filling sold-out arenas and drawing millions of television viewers. Beyond her individual success, Clark’s presence highlighted the broader appeal and growing popularity of women’s sports.
The award, decided by 74 sports journalists from The Associated Press and its members, saw Clark claim 35 votes. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles finished second with 25 votes, while boxer Imane Khelif placed third with four.
Clark is just the fourth women’s basketball player to receive this honor since the award’s inception in 1931, joining Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995), and Candace Parker (2008, 2021).
“I grew up idolizing players like Candace Parker, and to be recognized like this is incredibly special,” Clark shared in a phone interview. “It was an amazing year for women’s basketball and women’s sports as a whole.”
Shohei Ohtani was named the AP Male Athlete of the Year, marking his third win.
Clark’s stellar collegiate career saw her break the NCAA Division I career scoring record for both men and women, amassing 3,951 points and leading Iowa to consecutive national championship games.
Although the Hawkeyes fell short against South Carolina, Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley publicly thanked Clark for elevating the sport during their championship celebration.
Clark’s influence extended beyond the court, drawing both admiration and online toxicity. Despite the polarized opinions, she remained focused and gracefully navigated the challenges of intense public scrutiny.
Rebecca Lobo praised the 22-year-old for her poise, saying, “She’s handled everything almost flawlessly, without any major missteps, which is remarkable given the constant attention.”
Reflecting on her whirlwind year, Clark expressed gratitude for her journey. “A year ago, I was just starting my senior year in college. It’s incredible how fast things change. I’ll always cherish the people who shared this ride with me.”
Clark’s magnetic appeal drew record crowds, with Iowa selling out all games during her tenure. That momentum carried into the WNBA, where her No. 22 jersey was a common sight. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers guard, marveled at her impact: “She’s not just a star in women’s sports—she’s one of the most popular athletes globally.”
In her WNBA rookie season, Clark overcame a slow start to shine, setting records for single-game assists (19) and total assists (337) while becoming the fastest player to hit 100 three-pointers in just 34 games. Her efforts helped the Indiana Fever secure their first playoff appearance since 2016.
Rebecca Lobo, an AP Female Athlete of the Year winner and a pioneer of women’s basketball, compared Clark’s impact to her own era, calling it “a giant leap forward.” Clark has driven unprecedented viewership and attendance, breaking records across platforms:
- WNBA viewership surged by 300%, with record audiences tuning in to Fever games.
- The 2024 NCAA women’s championship game drew 18.9 million viewers, surpassing the men’s Final Four for the first time and becoming the second-most-watched women’s sporting event in U.S. history.
- The 2024 WNBA Draft saw a record 2.4 million viewers.
Clark credited the collective efforts of women athletes for the surge in popularity. “It’s amazing to see what we’ve accomplished together. Outdrawing the men’s Final Four shows how far women’s sports have come.”
Despite her rapid rise, Clark continues to value fan interaction, taking time to connect with supporters before and after games. “A few seconds of interaction can make a lasting impact,” she said. “Seeing fans excited hours before tipoff is something I’ll never take for granted.”
With her remarkable skills, grace under pressure, and ability to connect with fans, Caitlin Clark has become a transformative figure in women’s basketball, setting the stage for an even brighter future for the sport.
