Former Iowa star Caitlin Clark became the No. 1 overall pick Monday night during the 2024 WNBA Draft. The new Indiana Fever sensation is ready to take her game to the next level.
Clark was the expected top selection this year. But even the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer was a little nervous leading up to the announcement.
She spoke with ESPN’s Holly Rowe after holding up her new Indiana Fever jersey on stage.
“I got a little anxious there before the pick but I think more than anything, just grateful and lucky to have my family here, my friends over there, coaches up here, so I think just enjoying the moment,” Clark said on the ESPN broadcast. “Like you said, like I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was in second grade and it’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of ups and downs but more than anything, just trying to soak it in.”
It took a lot of work for Clark to become who she is on this day. From a solid recruit to a star as a freshman, to women’s sports icon in 2024, Clark put in a lot of work behind the scenes to get to this point.
“I think the biggest thing is like I always just believed in myself,” Clark said. “I went to Iowa with the goal of taking us to the Final Four. We did it twice, we went to two national championships, four Big Ten championships. Yeah, there’s my teammates, they are pretty awesome.
“And I think just a belief in myself and my parents always instilled confidence in me from a young age when I was young girl and I think that’s something a lot of young girls can learn to have. And I think people supporting them certainly helps. So yeah, I think the biggest thing is the confidence. But I told my mom before this is like, you know, I earned it and that’s why I’m so proud of it.”
Caitlin Clark soaks in being No. 1 overall pick
As far as Clark’s responsibilities now, she’ll likely be the face of the franchise immediately.
“Yeah, I think the biggest thing is like they have such a good roster and that’s what I’m excited about,” Clark said. “Like you said like there are winning franchise. You know, I’m excited to get there. I’m excited to get to Indianapolis. I know there’s a lot of people … supporting the picks that we’re gonna make so you know, (hopefully they’ll be) supporting all summer long and you got to buy your tickets.
“(It’s going to be) be a hot ticket but I think the biggest thing is just do me, have fun, smile. I’ve loved playing basketball since I was young girl and that’s not going to change.”
Having fun playing basketball? Well, Clark can certainly do that for sure. All eyes are now on Indianapolis to see the fever that is Clark.
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