Caitlin Clark: From Court Phenom to TIME’s Athlete of the Year

When TIME announced Caitlin Clark as its 2024 Athlete of the Year, the headline wasn’t just a celebration of one player’s accomplishments—it was a signal that women’s basketball had reached a new era. The Iowa native became the first WNBA player to receive this honor, cementing her role as both a sports icon and a cultural force.

Clark’s path to the top began long before she stepped onto a professional court. At the University of Iowa, she built a reputation for being unstoppable—scoring at will, dishing pinpoint assists, and leading her team deep into the NCAA tournament. By the time she left college, she was the all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball history, a record that put her above some of the most celebrated names in the game’s past.

But it wasn’t just the numbers that set her apart—it was the way she drew people in. The so-called “Caitlin Clark Effect” was impossible to ignore. College arenas sold out when she came to town. Television ratings soared to record highs. The 2024 NCAA Women’s Final drew nearly 19 million viewers, surpassing that year’s men’s final. Clark wasn’t just playing in big games—she was redefining what big games looked like for women’s sports.

When the Indiana Fever selected her with the first pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, the league knew it had a star who could change its trajectory. From her very first game, Clark lived up to the hype. Her rookie season featured jaw-dropping performances, from triple-doubles to buzzer-beaters, and she broke league records for assists while maintaining her scoring brilliance. She became the WNBA Rookie of the Year and earned a place on the All-WNBA First Team—an achievement almost unheard of for a first-year player.

Her arrival also sparked a surge in attendance and viewership for the WNBA. Road games involving the Fever routinely sold out, with some arenas reporting their largest crowds in decades. Merchandise sales spiked. Media coverage expanded. Clark’s influence wasn’t limited to her box score—it was measurable in ticket revenue, TV contracts, and the broader conversation about women’s sports.

Yet with the spotlight came scrutiny. Clark has been open about the challenges of being the most talked-about player in the league, describing herself as “the most controversial person” simply because of the competing narratives surrounding her. She has addressed the role of privilege in her career, acknowledging that her visibility as a white player comes in part from opportunities that haven’t always been extended to the league’s Black athletes. Her willingness to talk about race, representation, and equity has sparked important discussions both inside and outside the sport.

The attention she commands has not been universally celebrated. Some critics have argued that the focus on Clark overshadows the accomplishments of other WNBA stars who have been excelling for years. Sheila Johnson, co-owner of the Washington Mystics, publicly questioned TIME’s choice, suggesting it overlooked the collective strength of the league. But the numbers tell a clear story—Clark’s games routinely draw record crowds and broadcast audiences, often lifting the visibility of her opponents in the process.

Beyond basketball, Clark has been building a legacy off the court. The Caitlin Clark Foundation, launched in 2023, is dedicated to improving the lives of young people through education, nutrition, and sports opportunities. It’s a reminder that her ambitions extend well beyond her own career; she’s investing in the next generation.

Her selection as TIME’s Athlete of the Year wasn’t just a nod to her athletic dominance—it was recognition of her impact on the sports landscape. She has shifted public perception of women’s basketball, proven that the market for women’s sports is larger than many believed, and inspired young athletes to see the sport as a viable and celebrated career path.

As Clark heads into her second WNBA season, the momentum shows no signs of slowing. Fans, media, and league officials are all watching to see what she does next—whether it’s breaking more records, leading the Fever deeper into the playoffs, or continuing to grow the game globally.

Caitlin Clark’s story is still being written, but the first chapters have already changed the conversation about what’s possible for women in sports. She’s more than an Athlete of the Year—she’s a symbol of a movement that’s only gaining speed.