JUST IN: Caitlin Clark Says She ‘Feels Like the Most Controversial Person’ as She’s Named Time’s Athlete of the Year

Caitlin Clark is concluding what she calls a “historic” first season in the WNBA, having been named Time’s Athlete of the Year. The 22-year-old basketball sensation, who has broken numerous records and shattered barriers in the sport, earned the recognition for her impressive on-court performance and for sparking a surge in attention and viewership for the 27-year-old league and women’s sports, according to the magazine.

In an in-depth interview with Time, Clark, known for her long-range 3-pointers and impressive assists, reflected on her transformative impact—both in the game and in the public eye. She also discussed the challenges of being in the spotlight. “I tell people I feel like the most controversial person,” Clark remarked. “But I’m not. It’s just because of all the storylines around me. I treat everyone with the same respect, and it confuses me sometimes.”

During her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, who drafted her with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark has dealt with an extraordinary level of attention. “You feel powerful,” she said of her influence on the game. “People are invested, they love the game, and that’s what makes it so fun. These fans aren’t just supporting women’s sports to check a box—it’s becoming the new normal.”

Clark’s popularity has also helped the WNBA become the fastest-growing brand of 2024, while she secured a record $28 million shoe deal with Nike. However, her rise to fame has also brought to light issues of race and its role in sports. “As a White person, there is privilege,” Clark admitted. “Many of the league’s standout players have been Black, and this league has been built on their contributions.” She emphasized the importance of appreciating and uplifting Black women in sports, stating, “The more we elevate Black women, the more beautiful it will be.”

Clark also addressed the controversy surrounding her relationship with Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, especially after Reese’s ring-taunting during the 2023 national championship game between LSU and Iowa. “I don’t get that at all,” Clark said, noting that while she and Reese have had intense matchups, they have always been respectful of each other. “The only thing people focused on was a fabricated controversy, and it’s continued since.”

In addition to her athletic achievements, Clark’s friends and teammates have highlighted her charisma and sense of humor. Her former Fever teammate, Temi Fagbenle, shared how Clark embraced the spotlight, even performing grandiose renditions of “Happy Birthday” for teammates, as part of her rookie duties. “She loves her moments,” Fagbenle said.