In an impressive display of her debut season, Caitlin Clark secures a nearly unanimous recognition as the WNBA's Rookie of the Year.
This year, the Indiana Fever's guard performance was unprecedented.
She broke the WNBA's single-season assist record (337), setting a mark that also included a league-best 19 assists in a single game. Her 8.4 assists per game average also became a WNBA record. Beyond this, Clark became the first rookie to record a triple-double and holds the record for most three-pointers made (122) by a rookie in league history.
According to the league, Clark received 66 out of 67 votes from a national media panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. The remaining vote went to the Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese.
"I'm incredibly grateful to be named Rookie of the Year," Clark stated, "but I'm even more thankful to everyone who supported me this season - my family, friends, teammates, the Fever organization, and everyone who cheered us on throughout the season."
The 22-year-old was expected to make an immediate impact with the Fever after being selected first overall by Indiana in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Living up to the hype, she not only broke records but also led the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
The NBA's Pacers, who also call Indianapolis home, praised Clark in a video post on X.
"It's been a pleasure watching you play this year," center-forward Myles Turner commended. "Not only living up to the hype, but doing something I haven't seen here in years – getting back to the playoffs."
Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton offered congratulations, stating, "Not a surprise by any means. Very happy for you!"
Clark found out she had won the award last month. The league released a video of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert calling Clark while the Fever were practicing for a playoff game against the Connecticut Sun. The news sparked joyous reactions from Clark's teammates, who surrounded her with cheers.
Clark was joined by the Chicago Sky's Kamilla Cardoso and Reese, along with the Los Angeles Sparks’ Rickea Jackson and Leonie Fiebich of the New York Liberty, on the WNBA’s 2024 All-Rookie Team.
Clark's exceptional performance in breaking numerous records and leading the Indiana Fever to their playoff return has earned her widespread recognition in the world of sports. Her achievements in the WNBA encourage young athletes to pursue their passion in the realm of sport.
