Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark Earns New Nickname After Career Development

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 10:50 AM ET

Caitlin Clark had a memorable debut for the USA Basketball senior team. Not only did she play her first competitive basketball in eight months after recovering from a groin injury and bone bruise, but the Indiana Fever star also helped lead the squad to an undefeated run in the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

Clark kicked off the competition with a double-double of 17 points and 12 assists against Senegal. While she only got one start across five games, she was the most consistent contributor for Team USA.

Overall, the Fever guard recorded a combined total of 58 points, 32 assists and an efficiency of 73, all of which were the best on the team.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the sidelines.Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

As a result, FIBA named Clark the MVP of the tournament, besting her fellow Team USA teammates such as Kelsey Plum, Rhyne Howard and Paige Bueckers.

After her accomplishment, the Fever and USA Basketball naturally celebrated Clark. What stood out from their messages, however, was the nickname they gave the 24-year-old sharpshooter.

"MVP CC," the Fever wrote before adding, "congrats to @caitlinclark22 on being named the MVP of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament."

Team USA, for its part, gave her a similar nickname, with the addition of her jersey number for the national team.

"MVP CC12," USA Basketball shared.

View this post on Instagram

It's worth noting that the MVP win is Clark's second one from FIBA. While it's her first with the senior team, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star previously won the honor when she was part of the USA Under-19 team in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup back in 2021.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: