Caitlin Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA was nothing short of extraordinary, setting a new standard for what a first-year player can achieve. As the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2024, Clark arrived in the league with immense expectations, not just for her team, but for the entire league. Widely regarded as the face of the next generation of WNBA stars, Clark lived up to every bit of the hype, leading the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade.
Clark’s on-court accomplishments during her rookie year were remarkable. She made the All-Star team, earned the Rookie of the Year award, and was the first rookie to be named to the All-WNBA First Team since Candace Parker achieved the honor in 2008. Clark’s dynamic style of play and her ability to take over games not only electrified fans but also helped raise the profile of the WNBA as a whole.
Yet, despite the nearly flawless nature of her rookie campaign, Clark revealed that there was one aspect of her journey that left her feeling disappointed—her experience at the WNBA Draft. During a recent episode of the “Fresh Tawk” podcast, Clark opened up about the challenges she faced on draft night, which ultimately left her feeling frustrated.
“I was so upset because after I got drafted I just got dragged out immediately, and I didn’t get to see any of the draft,” Clark said while chatting with former Iowa teammates Kate Martin, Gabbie Marshall, and host Jada Gyamfi. The draft is meant to be a celebratory moment, not just for the players being selected but also for their friends, families, and loved ones who have supported them along the way.
Unfortunately for Clark, the whirlwind nature of the event kept her from fully enjoying the night.
Clark described how she barely had a chance to take in the experience. “I had my phone, but I really couldn’t go on it. It made me so upset. I didn’t even get to see Kate get drafted… it just made me really upset,” she said.
Her frustration stemmed from the fact that she couldn’t fully savor the moment with the people closest to her. The night should have been one filled with memories, photos, and shared joy, but instead, Clark was pulled away for media obligations, missing out on the chance to see her friend and former teammate, Kate Martin, get selected in the second round.
Kate Martin, who attended the draft to support Clark, ended up being drafted by the Las Vegas Aces, joining the two-time defending champions. Despite being a second-round pick, Martin quickly became a fan favorite for her defensive intensity and high basketball IQ, contributing to the Aces’ success during her first year. The bond between Clark and Martin runs deep, and it was clear that missing such an important moment for her friend was a significant disappointment for Clark.
Clark also shared that she didn’t get a chance to take pictures with her friends, family, or even her boyfriend that night, as the schedule was packed with obligations that kept her constantly on the move. “I didn’t even get to take pictures with my family,” she added, emphasizing just how much she missed out on during what should have been one of the most memorable nights of her career.
The experience highlighted the challenges that come with being a high-profile athlete—while the spotlight is bright, it often means sacrificing personal moments in favor of fulfilling professional obligations.
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Despite her draft night disappointment, Clark’s rookie season was one for the ages. She captivated the basketball world with her incredible scoring, playmaking, and leadership on the court, helping the Fever break their playoff drought and injecting new energy into the franchise.
Her record-setting season has left fans eagerly anticipating what she will do next, with the possibility of even greater accomplishments on the horizon.
As the offseason approaches, the basketball community is watching closely to see what Clark decides to do. There is speculation that she might join the debuting Unrivaled league, which will take place during the WNBA’s offseason and aims to bring more competitive opportunities for women’s basketball players.
Alternatively, Clark could choose to take a well-deserved break after what has been an intense and demanding year of continuous basketball. Whatever her decision, her next steps are sure to draw significant attention.
One thing is certain: Caitlin Clark’s journey is far from over. With her incredible talent and determination, she has already established herself as one of the league’s brightest stars, and her sophomore season in 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in WNBA history.
Whether she decides to rest or continue competing during the offseason, fans can’t wait to see what Clark will bring to the court next year as she looks to build on her sensational rookie campaign and take her game—and the Indiana Fever—to new heights.
