Caitlin Clark had an unforgettable night at the ESPY Awards on Thursday.
The Fever rookie, who wasn’t present at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, made a virtual appearance at the show while in Indianapolis preparing for Friday night’s game against the Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Clark, 22, broke Pete Maravich’s record as an NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer during her senior year at Iowa, winning an ESPY Award for Best Record-Breaking Performance and the College Athlete of the Year award for women.
Aces star, two-time WNBA MVP and back-to-back Las Vegas champion A’ja Wilson, beat out Clark, tennis sensation Coco Gauff and pro golfer Nelly Korda to win the women’s athlete of the year award.
“I want to thank ESPN for this recognition. Obviously I couldn’t be there tonight,” Clark said in a video message. “I’ve been a little busy in Indianapolis. This award means a lot not only to me, but to my teammates and coaches at Iowa. It’s a special award for all of us and what a special year it has been for women’s sports. Thank you ESPN.”
“I want to shout out to all the nominees and winners tonight. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there, but I hope you all have a great night.”
Clark is the leading candidate for WNBA Rookie of the Year, ahead of Sky phenom Angel Reese, who is averaging a double-double.
College rivals Reese and LSU defeated Clarke’s Hawkeyes in the 2023 NCAA national championship and became the only two freshmen selected to the 2024 WNBA All-Star team.
Wilson also missed this year’s ESPY Awards due to her WNBA schedule, which sees the Aces play the Dream in Atlanta on Friday.
“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to thank all my fans,” the former South Carolina star said in a video message. “I wouldn’t be the player I am today without your support. I’ll never forget your support. It makes me happy to know that a girl who never wanted to play basketball won an ESPY. It’s really special to me.”
That was Wilson and Celtics champion Jayson Tatum. Published as cover star The latest version of NBA 2K is released on Wednesday.
Wilson will face Clark and Reese in the WNBA All-Star Game, which begins on July 20 in Phoenix.
Wilson will represent the U.S. team that will include WNBA stars at the Paris Olympics, while Clark and Reese will be teammates on a WNBA team for the first time.
The All-Star Game format is a farewell party for WNBA stars who will be competing in the Summer Olympics.
Clark also made headlines when he was not included on the 12-man Olympic roster.
The WNBA All-Star Game will air on ABC, with ESPN broadcasting the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest on July 19 at 6 p.m.
