According to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, you might have missed Caitlin Clark's Rookie of the Year award-winning season if you blinked .
Speaking on the phone , Engelbert said how one minute Clark was lighting up college basketball at Iowa , transcending the game with her deep step-back threes and playmaking abilities. The next, she’s the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft , standing under the bright lights in a full Prada outfit , holding up the Indiana Fever jersey that would go on to sell out in minutes.
After a season packed with record-breaking performances, deep trademark threes, unreal handles, and buzzer-beater moments, the WNBA’s brightest new star can add one more accolade to her resume: the official 2024 Kia Rookie of the Year. After already securing the AP award voted on by a media panel, the announcement was more of a confirmation than a surprise.
Clark appeared to be winding down from an intense team practice with her Fever teammates when she received the news from the WNBA Commissioner. Surrounded by her teammates, the call initially congratulated the team for making the playoffs. Before their first-round playoff elimination against the Connecticut Sun , Clark was informed she had secured the WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
"I know all of you had hard work and dedication that has paid off with your playoffs [berth], and I know the best is yet to come," said Engelbert. "So, congratulations, Caitlin. You are the 2024 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year."
Her Fever teammates rallied around her in celebration, dispelling all rumors of friction in the locker room . She initially appeared emotional while hearing the news but was quickly joined by Erica Wheeler, NaLyssa Smith, and more as coach Christie Sides soaked in the moment.
Clark’s Rookie of the Year honor was more than just a nod to her record-breaking season. It was a business event waiting to happen. The anticipation for her success was so clear that the release of her commemorative merchandise was perfectly timed with the announcement, and it flew off the digital shelves in no time.
After the news was made official, Nike wasted no time launching a special $40 t-shirt to celebrate her award . The front of the black tee, with white letters, plainly read “2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year,” displayed above the Nike swoosh.
The back of the tee highlighted the Fever star’s standout achievements over her rookie season, including the most points and three-pointers, and was completed with the WNBA logo. The shirt sold out in just 50 minutes.
READ MORE: 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team confirmed moments after Caitlin Clark announcement
READ MORE: Angel Reese loses $100,000 to Shaquille O'Neal in less that 10 seconds
Fanatics, FansEdge, Lids, the WNBA, and even trendy boutique stores like Playa Society joined the craze, rolling out their own exclusive Clark themed merchandise . From t-shirts to hoodies, prices ranged from $39 to $99 as fans rushed to grab anything they could to celebrate Clark’s first season.
Clark's rookie season was also capped off by being named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team , standing alongside fellow standout Angel Reese. Both Clark and Reese previously secured spots as first-year All-Star selections. The All-Rookie Team featured rising talents Rickea Jackson, Leonie Fiebich, and Kamilla Cardoso.
Local News
Comments / 0