Caitlin Clark has officially been named the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, a well-deserved honor for the 22-year-old Indiana Fever sensation. The WNBA announced Clark’s achievement on Thursday, October 3, and the Fever wasted no time in sharing the emotional moment when she learned the big news.
The Fever, who selected Clark as the first overall pick in April’s WNBA draft, posted a heartwarming video of the moment Clark found out she had won the prestigious award. During a team practice ahead of their playoff game against the Connecticut Sun, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert delivered the exciting news via phone, addressing Clark and her teammates.
“It feels like just yesterday that I called your name to the stage as the number one pick in this year’s draft,” Engelbert told Clark. She recalled seeing Clark hold up her Indiana Fever jersey for the first time in April, before going on to acknowledge the young star’s “record-breaking season” in her debut year. Engelbert also praised the Fever for their outstanding efforts throughout the season, congratulating the entire team for making it to the playoffs.
“I know the best is yet to come,” Engelbert added, to which Clark replied with a smile and a simple, “Facts.” Then came the official announcement: “So congratulations, Caitlin, you are the 2024 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year!”
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Clark’s teammates were quick to celebrate with her, and the Fever compiled touching video messages from her fellow players, congratulating her on the achievement. The team shared the compilation on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing just how much Clark’s accomplishment means to her and those around her.
This Rookie of the Year award marks a significant milestone not just for Clark, but for the Indiana Fever as well. With Clark’s selection, the team now boasts back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners, following Aliyah Boston’s win last season. This consecutive honor highlights the Fever’s bright future, with both Boston and Clark forming a formidable young duo on the team.
Clark’s recognition as Rookie of the Year sparked praise from across the basketball world. NBA star Chris Paul sent a congratulatory message, and Indiana Pacers players Obi Toppin, Tyrese Haliburton, and Myles Turner also gave her shoutouts in support.
Her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, who recently joined Butler University’s men’s basketball team as an assistant coach after a stint with the Pacers, celebrated Clark’s big moment by reposting the announcement on his Instagram Story, showing his pride in her success.
Clark’s rookie season was nothing short of stellar. She started all 40 games for Indiana, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists (which led the entire league), 5.7 rebounds, and 1.33 steals per game.
Her impact on the court was undeniable, as she led all rookies in points, assists, steals, and minutes played. Clark also finished second in the WNBA for free throw shooting percentage, with an impressive 90.6% accuracy from the line.
One of the highlights of her season came when Clark set a WNBA rookie record for the most assists in a single season, racking up an astounding 337 assists. Her impressive play earned her a spot in the 2024 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, further cementing her status as one of the league’s rising stars.
As the Fever look ahead to the future, they can rest assured that with talents like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, their team is in great hands. For Clark, winning Rookie of the Year is just the beginning, and fans are eager to see what heights she will reach next in her promising career.
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