DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 02: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts during the second half against the LSU Lady Tigers during the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament championship game at American Airlines Center on April 02, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark relishing her fan interactions with WNBA shift ahead: ‘Never gets old’
Despite being one of the most well-known figures in women’s basketball, Caitlin Clark isn’t letting it affect how much of an influence she has on others who look up to her. Clark is expected to be selected first overall in Monday’s WNBA draft.
After breaking almost all collegiate basketball records and assisting Iowa to consecutive trips to the national title game, Clark has been hailed as one of the main forces for the rising interest in women’s college basketball.
Women’s sports fans anticipate that her participation in the WNBA will raise awareness of the league, advance women’s sports, and serve as an inspiration for the next generation of female athletes.
Clark talked about the athletes she used to look up to and why it’s so important to her to be that role model for young girls in an interview that will appear on Monday on NBC News’ “TODAY.”
Caitlin Clark gets ready for an NCAA Tournament game against Iowa.
Caitlin Clark gets ready for an NCAA Tournament game against Iowa.
USA TODAY Sports
“I wanted to be a professional soccer player or women’s basketball player growing up because those were the people I looked up to in my life.” And I think it’s really essential to realize how huge of an impact that may have on the lives of a young girl,” Clark added.
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Caitlin Clark of Iowa, who just made a 3-pointer; Angel Reese; Cameron Brink
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SNL’s Caitlin Clark
On “SNL,” Caitlin Clark makes fun of Michael Che in advance of the 2024 WNBA Draft.
A bunch of kids in a school lifting their hands
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I therefore make an effort to spend as much time as I can with them. The feeling of witnessing them shout your name or wear your shirt never gets old.
When Iowa would play on the road, supporters would wait in line for hours outside of arenas to see Clark perform, and young fans would eagerly await her autographs both before and after games.
After the 2023–24 Hawkeyes women’s basketball team was honored at a ceremony, Clark stayed to make sure she could meet her devoted supporters.
Clark’s college career reached new heights during her senior year, breaking Kelsey Plum’s record for the most points scored in women’s college basketball and became the all-time best scorer in men’s or women’s DI basketball.
In a draft that could be among the most eagerly awaited in WNBA history, she is predicted to be selected first overall by the Indiana Fever, along with LSU standout Angel Reese and South Carolina standout Kamilla Cardoso.
