Caitlin Clark recently etched her name in history as Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2024. The Indiana Fever phenom earned this accolade after a breathtaking NCAA career with the Iowa Hawkeyes and a record-breaking rookie season in the WNBA. Her achievements have captivated fans and reshaped women’s basketball, yet not everyone has celebrated her individual recognition. Washington Mystics co-owner Sheila Johnson, a trailblazing entrepreneur, voiced her belief that Time should have honored the collective brilliance of the WNBA instead of spotlighting Clark alone.
Johnson, America’s first Black woman billionaire, argued that this year’s influx of talent, including players like Angel Reese, was instrumental in elevating the league’s profile. Speaking to CNN, she remarked, “This year, something clicked with the WNBA, and it’s because of the draft of players that came in.” Johnson’s sentiments sparked significant backlash, with critics accusing her of diminishing Clark’s singular contributions to the sport’s growth. Among her detractors is Lisa Bluder, Clark’s former coach at Iowa, who has emerged as one of Clark’s most fervent defenders.
Bluder, who coached the Hawkeyes to consecutive NCAA championship games during Clark’s tenure, dismissed Johnson’s remarks as short-sighted. In an interview with Sports Seriously, she emphasized the transformative impact Clark has had on women’s sports, likening her influence to that of Billie Jean King. “It’s absurd to downplay something so pivotal for our sport,” Bluder declared. “Caitlin’s success illuminates the entire women’s basketball landscape, and we all stand to gain from her brilliance.”
Clark’s ascension to superstardom transcends personal accolades, Bluder insisted. Her meteoric rise has not only brought unprecedented attention to women’s basketball but has also paved the way for her peers to thrive. “When Caitlin’s light shines, it reflects on all of us,” Bluder stated, urging skeptics like Johnson to embrace the collective uplift that Clark’s achievements represent. Her passionate defense underscores the importance of unity in advancing women’s sports.
As debates continue to swirl, Clark remains a beacon for the future of basketball. Her unparalleled skill and marketability have redefined the WNBA’s potential, showcasing how one athlete’s success can catalyze change for an entire league. For Bluder and others in Clark’s corner, the focus should remain on celebrating her historic impact rather than downplaying it, recognizing that her triumphs benefit not only herself but the entire women’s sports community.
