Much of the basketball world was shocked, even outraged, on Saturday when it was reported that rookie WNBA superstar Kaitlyn Clark would not be making the U.S. national team for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Since then, she has handled it with nothing but grace and confidence.
The leaked list, reported on Saturday, included: ESPN It was reported, but no official announcement has been made, that the high draft pick had been removed from the team, sparking outrage among Clark’s fans and many in the basketball world.
One could argue that Clark has not yet reached the level of play necessary to earn such an honor, having only played 11 professional games before being made into the roster, but this would not be an unusual occurrence. ESPN also noted that Diana Taurasi (2004), Candace Parker (2008) and Breanna Stewart (2016) were each invited to the team in their rookie seasons.
Clark had several players selected to the team who were clearly outstanding in her rookie season. Diana Taurasi In almost every major statistical category Chelsea Gray Clark hasn’t played a single game this season because of injury, and the U.S. team includes players with similar stats to Clark. Brittney Griner and Jewel Lloyd.
Already facing an incredible amount of hate from her fellow players, Clark had every right to be angry — and she could have vented her anger at WNBA players — but she used this opportunity to prove she was ready for the national spotlight. (Related: Sky’s Angel Rees claims ‘unpleasant job’ harassment, but video tells a very different story)
According to ESPN, Clark expressed her excitement for the women who were selected on Sunday, saying, “I know this is the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way whether I made the team or not. I’m rooting for them to win the gold medal. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics so it’s going to be fun to watch them compete.”
Caitlin Clark responded to being cut from the U.S. Women’s Olympic Team:
“Keeping that in mind is a motivation for me.”
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— My Mixtape (@mymixtapez) June 10, 2024
Clark went on to say that, rather than being disappointed, she sees it as an excuse to work harder. She’s using it as fuel, as motivation to get to the next level, all while remaining quiet and humble. In the first game after the ESPN report, Clark dropped 30 points. Her team won. 85-83 Following the win over the Washington Mystics, Indiana Fever head coach Christy Sides told reporters that Clark said to them after the game, “Coach, they woke up a monster.”
Clark’s humility and drive for greatness show a maturity that is rare for a 22-year-old, especially one who has achieved so much fame in such a short amount of time. She remains poised and elegant as she continues to prove she is more than just an elite college player; she is ready to take on the challenge, both on and off the court.
