Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star and Iowa basketball legend, has been named the Associated Press (AP) Female Athlete of the Year, marking a historic moment for women’s sports. Her incredible impact on the basketball world, both at the collegiate level and in the WNBA, has brought unprecedented attention to women’s sports.
A Stellar Year for Caitlin Clark
Clark’s remarkable achievements include leading the Iowa Hawkeyes to the national championship game, where her performance helped elevate women’s basketball to new heights. Shortly after, she was selected as the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, where she continued to shine, earning Rookie of the Year honors.
Her presence in both the NCAA and WNBA has sparked a massive surge in fan engagement, with packed arenas and millions of viewers following her every move. Clark’s combination of skill, athleticism, and leadership on and off the court has made her a trailblazer for women’s sports.
The AP Voting and Award History
A panel of 74 sports journalists from The Associated Press voted on the award, with Clark receiving 35 votes. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles secured second place with 25 votes, while boxer Imane Khelif came in third with four votes. Clark’s win makes her just the fourth women’s basketball player to be named AP Female Athlete of the Year, following in the footsteps of Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995), and Candace Parker (2008, 2021).
Reflecting on her win, Clark expressed gratitude for the honor, noting how special it was to follow in the footsteps of pioneers like Candace Parker. “It was a great year for women’s basketball and women’s sports,” Clark said in an interview. “To be recognized in this way is truly special.”
Breaking Records and Raising Visibility
Clark’s career has been defined by breaking records and setting new standards for excellence in women’s basketball. She concluded her college career as the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer, male or female, with 3,951 points. She also guided Iowa to back-to-back national championship games, further solidifying her legacy as one of the most influential figures in the sport.
Her influence is not just on the court. Clark’s journey has illuminated the growing prominence of women’s sports, drawing significant media attention. TV viewership for the WNBA increased by 300% during her rookie season, and her NCAA Women’s Championship game outdrew the men’s tournament for the first time in history.
Handling Pressure with Grace
Despite facing the intense scrutiny that comes with her newfound fame, Clark has navigated the pressure with poise. Former AP Female Athlete of the Year Rebecca Lobo praised Clark for her ability to handle the media spotlight without controversy. “She has navigated it almost flawlessly,” Lobo said. “She’s done all the right things despite constant attention.”
Clark, for her part, attributes much of her success to the community of women athletes who have worked together to elevate the sport. She remains grateful for the support of her fans and continues to connect with them, whether through autograph signings or simply engaging with them during games.
The Future of Women’s Basketball
Clark’s success has brought unprecedented attention to the sport, and her continued rise is sure to inspire future generations. The numbers speak for themselves: the 2024 WNBA Draft was the most-watched in league history, and Clark’s games attracted millions of viewers across multiple networks. Her presence has helped raise the profile of women’s basketball, making her not just a sports icon, but a beacon of change for women’s athletics.
As she continues her career, Clark remains focused on her role as a leader in women’s basketball. “We did this,” she says, speaking about the collective effort of women athletes in elevating the sport. “It’s fascinating to see how much we’ve accomplished and how much attention we’re bringing to the game.”
