Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 decide within the 2024 WNBA draft out of Indiana, has been named the Kia WNBA Rookie of the 12 months after a exceptional first season. Clark, who set NCAA Division I basketball scoring data (males’s and ladies’s) throughout her collegiate profession, met and exceeded expectations, propelling Indiana to its greatest season in eight years.
State Farm athlete Chris Paul posted a heartfelt video on social media congratulating Caitlin Clark on being named the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the 12 months. CP3 supplied useful recommendation to Clark in his message as she ready for her sophomore season. He burdened the significance of going to the health club and inspired her to reap the benefits of the chance to turn out to be sooner and stronger.
Paul additionally burdened the significance of leaning on her help system, reminding her that her household and pals will play an important function in preserving her grounded amid the challenges {of professional} basketball. Moreover, he urged Clark to keep up her youthful spirit for so long as doable and acknowledged that her enthusiasm and vitality have been important to her success on and off the court docket.
Clark performed in all 40 video games, main Indiana to seven wins and its first playoff berth in practically a decade. She additionally joins an elite firm of ending within the high 5 in MVP voting – an accomplishment achieved solely by legendary rookies like Candace Parker and Diana Taurasi.
Clark’s affect transcended statistics, serving to spark a surge in WNBA scores, attendance and merchandise gross sales. The Indiana Fever’s attendance elevated by 319% in 2024, setting a league season document.
Clark obtained 66 of 67 votes, with runner-up Angel Reese incomes the opposite vote after a record-breaking rookie marketing campaign. Each gamers have been named to the All-Rookie Staff together with Los Angeles’ Ricky Jackson, Chicago’s Camila Cardoso and New York’s Leonie Fibich.
