00:00Kaitlyn Clark, a transformative figure in women's basketball, has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year, honoring her remarkable achievements on and off the court in 2024.
00:11Clark's meteoric rise began at Iowa, where she led the Hawkeyes to the NCAA Championship game and shattered records, including the NCAA Division I career, scoring records with 3,951 points.
00:24She later became the top pick in the WNBA draft, winning Rookie of the Year after leading the Indiana Fever to their first playoff berth since 2016.
00:34Clark's impact extended beyond the game, drawing sold-out crowds, boosting TV ratings by 300%, and breaking viewership records.
00:43The 2024 NCAA Women's Championship game, where Clark starred, outdrew the men's finals for the first time in history with 18.9 million viewers.
00:53Her influence transcends basketball. The 22-year-old ignited conversations about women's sports, earning admiration for her poise amid scrutiny.
01:02Clark's contributions continue to resonate, with her No. 22 jersey retired at Iowa and her name synonymous with the sport's growth.
01:10As she reflects on her journey, Clark remains focused on her fans, taking moments to inspire young athletes at every game.
01:18With record-breaking achievements and parallel popularity and her unwavering humility, Kaitlyn Clark has forever changed the landscape of women's basketball.
