Caitlin Clark has reportedly been removed from the US national team for the upcoming Paris Olympics, sparking heated reactions from both those in favor and those opposed to the decision.
Clark, who has come under fire for any hint of controversy as she begins her career as a rising star in the WNBA, spoke about her decision on Sunday. As always, she chose not to get caught up in the commotion. Clark spoke to reporters during Indiana Fever practice on Sunday afternoon and was asked how she reacted to being cut from the roster so soon.
Regarding not being selected for the Olympic team, Caitlin Clark had nothing but praise for the 12 who were selected, saying “making the team was the hardest part.”
clip: pic.twitter.com/LX59YA5Bzf
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 9, 2024
“I'm excited for the girls on the team,” she said. “I know they're the most competitive team in the world, and I knew it could have gone either way whether I was on the team or not. I'm excited for them to do well. I'm rooting for them to win the gold medal.”
She was then asked about her “level of disappointment” at being left off the roster.
“Honestly, I'm not disappointed,” Clark said. “I just think it gives me a reason to keep trying. It's a dream. Hopefully I'll be there one day. It just gives me a little bit more motivation. I'll just remember that and hopefully when four years from now, four years from now, I'll be there.”
Clarke thanked National Basketball Association officials for the call informing her of her decision, adding that she would be able to make the most of her summer off following a whirlwind transition from Iowa to the WNBA. Clarke and fellow top-three pick Camila Cardozo made their WNBA debuts just weeks after competing in South Carolina's NCAA championship game win over Iowa.
The U.S. Olympic roster will reportedly include WNBA veterans Kaalia Copper, Chelsea Gray, A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, Jewel Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Sabrina Ionescu. No rookies were selected.
Clark's coach, Christy Sides, said Clark was “a little disappointed” that she wasn't selected for the national team, but added that Clark told her he was using the perceived neglect as motivation.
Christy Sides on Caitlin Clark not making the Olympic team:
In telling Sides that she screwed up, Clark said, “Coach, they woke up a monster.” pic.twitter.com/02UwvuEiVj
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 9, 2024
“We actually talked on the bus. She got a call on the bus,” Sides said. “She texted me to let me know. I was trying to keep her morale up. She said, 'Coach, they woke up a monster.' I thought that was awesome.”
A University of Iowa sensation who finished her collegiate career as a two-time national finalist and NCAA all-time leading scorer, Caitlin has been shining a light among other notable recruits, but she's also experienced some predictable growing pains, especially in terms of her shooting and turnovers.
In 12 games with the WNBA, Clark averaged 16.8 points, 6.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 5.6 turnovers while shooting 37.3% from the field and 32.7% from 3-point range. The Fever, who drafted Clark after having the worst record in the league last season, are off to a 3-9 start.
