Caitlin Clark named 2024 AP WNBA Rookie of the Year
Caitlin Clark named 2024 AP WNBA Rookie of the Year
Caitlin Clark shooting a three-pointer during a WNBA game.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) launches a three-pointer against the Atlanta Dream during the WNBA game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 8, 2024 in downtown Indianapolis, IN. (Photo/David Dixon)
In a season denoted by record-breaking performances, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has been unanimously selected as the 2024 Associated Press WNBA Rookie of the Year.
The award adds to a long list of accolades for Clark, who was also named to the AP All-WNBA First Team and the AP All-Rookie Team. Clark becomes the second Fever player to win the prestigious honor, joining forward Aliyah Boston (2023).
Indiana Fever player talking to the media before a WNBA game.
Indiana Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark speaks with the media before the tip-off of the game against the Seattle Storm on May 30, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis, IN. (Photo/David Dixon)
Clark started all 40 regular season games for the Fever and quickly established herself as one of the league’s top premier playmakers. Leading all rookies in scoring (19.2 points per game) assists (8.4 assists per game) and 3-point field goals made (122), Clark not only dominated her rookie class but also left her mark on the entire league.
One of her most impressive achievements was her league-leading 337 assists, shattering the previous WNBA record of 316. Clark also set a franchise record with 769 points, the most ever by a point guard in a single season in the league’s history.
Earlier this season before winning the honors, Clark was asked about her thoughts on awards such as Rookie of the Year.
“We don’t wake up and think about individual awards,” Clark said. “We are fighting for a playoff spot. That is our main focus.”
WNBA player shooting a layup.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) gets to the basket for a layup versus the Phoenix Mercury on July 12, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis, IN. (Photo/Darnell Scott)
Since that interview, Clark and Fever went on to lock up the No. 6 seed for the 2024 playoffs. The franchise had not made the playoffs since 2016.
Additionally, Clark made headlines by becoming the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double. In a July 17 game against the Dallas Wings, Clark dished out a record 19 assists, the most in a single WNBA game.
Clark’s influence extended beyond the regular season, as she made her WNBA All-Star debut, becoming only the third rookie in Fever history to start in an All-Star Game.
During the All-Star Game, Clark recorded 10 assists, tying the second-most assists in All-Star Game history. She also garnered the most All-Star Game votes ever, receiving 700,735 fan votes.
In August, Clark won Rookie of the Month. During that time, she earned best player in the Eastern Conference honors, which had never been done in the league’s history. Her remarkable consistency was highlighted by her 35 double-digit scoring games and 14 double-doubles, which are both records for a rookie guard in WNBA history.
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. Check out more WNBA news here.
Indianapolis Colts fans during the game against the Chicago Bears on Septembet 22, 2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Photo/David Dixon)
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