Caitlin Clark Crowned AP WNBA Rookie of the Year After Record-Breaking Debut

Caitlin Clark’s extraordinary rookie season in the WNBA has culminated in her being unanimously named the Associated Press (AP) Rookie of the Year. The Indiana Fever star also earned spots on both the AP All-WNBA First Team and the All-Rookie Team, announced on Sunday, as the WNBA postseason officially began.

Clark expressed her gratitude for the recognition, calling it a “tremendous honor” and attributing her success to the support of her teammates and coaches. “This recognition wouldn’t be possible without an incredible group of teammates and coaches,” she said, looking forward to an exciting postseason.

Entering her rookie year, Clark faced considerable expectations, and she exceeded them spectacularly. The 22-year-old point guard led the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016, starting all 40 regular-season games. In doing so, she set a new WNBA record for assists in a single season with 337, which included an astonishing 19 assists in one game.

Moreover, Clark made history by becoming the first rookie to achieve a triple-double in the league and holds the record for the most three-pointers made by a rookie. Her on-court performance has not only garnered accolades but has also attracted new fans to the WNBA, contributing to increased attendance at games.

Unfortunately, Clark’s playoff debut was challenging, as the Fever fell to the Connecticut Sun 93-69 in Game 1. Nevertheless, Clark and her team are determined to bounce back, with Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday in Connecticut at 7:30 p.m. ET. As she continues to make waves in the league, Clark’s journey promises to inspire and engage basketball fans across the country.