Ticha Penicheiro congratulates Caitlin Clark on breaking her WNBA rookie assists record

Caitlin Clark secured another piece of history on Sunday, becoming the WNBA’s single-season rookie assists record holder .

Clark overtook Ticha Penicheiro’s mark of 224 assists with the Sacramento Monarchs from the 1998 WNBA season.

The record-setting assist came on a fastbreak midway through the second quarter versus the Seattle Storm as Clark connected with Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull to collect her 225th assist of the season.

As the torch was passed, Penicheiro shared a heartfelt message to Clark that the Indiana Fever’s official social media account shared.

“Hey Caitlin, Ticha here. Congratulations. A record that stood since 1998 and you come in here and you break it. Super proud of you. I know the work that you put in. A lot of people always talk about your shooting.

“I was always mesmerized about your passing, your court vision and how you make your teammates better. So, this record is in great hands and continue to do what you do, continue to elevate your game and the women’s game and the WNBA. Congratulations. Super proud of you,” Penicheiro said.

Clark finished Sunday’s 92-75 win over the Seattle Storm with 23 points, nine assists, five rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The 6-foot rookie guard shot 9-of-19 from the field and knocked in a trio of 3-pointers.

Clark also set some Fever franchise history on Sunday, too. With her second made 3-pointer, Clark passed Fever legend Tamika Catchings’ rookie record for made 3-pointers in a season. That was Clark’s 77th made 3-pointer of the 2024 WNBA season, passing Catchings’ 76 made 3-pointers in 2002.

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