Iowa women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark spoke in-depth about her decision to join the WNBA and what it was like to set a new NCAA points record.
The Hawkeyes star spoke to Good Morning America on a range of topics as her career in college comes to an end.
Clark still has a year of eligibility remaining thanks to the Covid year that all NCAA athletes received, but she decided it was time for a change.
‘Well, I think there’s pros and cons to both sides, and that’s what made the decision so difficult,’ Clark told GMA’s Robin Roberts.
‘It was almost a win win, but at the same time a lose lose, because I was giving up something, and I’m just kind of ready for the next chapter and a new challenge in my life.
‘But I think the reason I decided to announce it when I did was just to have that closure, especially going into senior night.’
Clark is the consensus No. 1 overall pick – with the Indiana Fever already showing signs that they will take her with the top selection.
That means that Clark will leave her home state for the first time. The West Des Moines native says it’s time to explore a new place.
‘I think it’s something I’m ready for, and that’s why I decided to make this move,’ she said. ‘But also, this is the place, like all I’ve known all my life, and that was the main reason of coming to the University of Iowa.
‘I wanted to play for my home state. I wanted to do something that really had never been done before.’
Clark recently passed Pete Maravich to become the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer. While she was aware that she needed to hit a certain number of points, she didn’t know how many she had when she sank two free throws to set the record.
‘We’re playing the number two team in the country one senior night on our home court,’ Clark said. ‘You can’t really script it any better.
‘I honestly didn’t realize it until everybody started going wild. And it’s just cool to have so many people in the stands that one appreciate women’s basketball, but they understand the history of it.’
Clark has been seen as a trailblazer for women’s sports and her success this season has done wonders for women’s basketball – with more and more people tuning in.
She told Roberts that she’s still told by people that they’re shocked how tough and competitive the sport is.
‘Yeah, I think it still does surprise me that people get a little distraught about women being competitive and getting into little arguments on the court or having a little trash talk, and that’s how it should be.
‘I think more than anything, it’s like surprising. Like you guys didn’t know this is how women’s sports are played. Come on.’
News
Haley Cavinder, Cameron Brink, and others react to Caitlin Clark’s 2024 WNBA announcement: “Best to ever do it”
For months, speculation ran amok regarding Caitlin Clark’s future. The Iowa guard had the option to waive and stay another year with the Iowa Hawkeyes because of COVID-19. But on Thursday, Clark announced her decision, opting to go pro. “While…
Indiana Fever legend welcomes Iowa’s Caitlin Clark to the team post much-awaited 2024 WNBA declaration
The race has begun. Caitlin Clark is coming to the WNBA. After a remarkable legend-making run at Iowa, the nation’s inarguable No. 1 prospect made her intentions for the professionals clear with a heartfelt message to her team’s fanbase. While…
Caitlin Clark BEATS BUZZER With Long 3 Pointer! | #3 Iowa Hawkeyes vs #14 Indiana Hoosiers
Caitlin Clark hits long 3-pointer at buzzer, scores 40 as No. 4 Iowa beats Michigan State 76-73. Caitlin Clark made a 3-pointer from the Hawkeyes logo at the buzzer finishing with 40 points and giving No. 4 Iowa a 76-73…
NCAA Women’s March Madness 2024 bracket: Looking at the projected top-5 ranked teams as per experts, surprise picks, and more
Women’s March Madness 2024 is right around the corner, and it’s only a few weeks more before people will see who’s in and who’s out. It will also be a time to see which teams are only good during the…
Rare photos of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Hailey Van Lith together from Youth Olympics sets the stage for March Madness 2024
A rare picture featuring Caitlin Clark, Hailey Van Lith and Paige Bueckers has created more anticipation for March Madness. March Madness is just around the corner, and the fans eagerly wait for it to begin. Days before the start, a…
WATCH: Travis Scott marks presence to witness “friend” Caitlin Clark script all-time history in college basketball
Rap superstar Travis Scott sparked a frenzy in Iowa City Sunday, grabbing courtside seats to watch Caitlin Clark cement her basketball legacy. The stage was set for Clark as the No. 6 Hawkeyes played the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes…
End of content
No more pages to load