Caitlin Clark‘s meteoric rise to the top of women’s sports reached a new high when Time Magazine honored her as the 2024 Athlete of the Year.

From dominating the NCAA tournament during her time with the Iowa Hawkeyes to an extraordinary rookie season with the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, Clark‘s achievements have firmly established her as a trailblazer in basketball.

However, her recognition hasn’t been without its critics, sparking a wider conversation about her impact on the sport.

One notable voice of dissent came from Sheila Johnson, co-owner of the Washington Mystics, who suggested Time could have celebrated the collective impact of the WNBA rather than singling out Clark.

“This year, something clicked with the WNBA, and it’s because of the draft of players that came in,” Johnson remarked to CNN. “It’s not just Caitlin Clark, it’s (Angel) Reese (as well). We have so much talent out there.”

Amid the criticism, one of Clark‘s biggest champions emerged: her former Iowa Hawkeyes head coach, Lisa Bluder.

In an interview on “Sports Seriously,” Bluder spoke candidly about the unique influence Clark has had on women’s sports, urging others to recognize and support her contributions.

“It’s silly to me that anybody’s trying to take away from something that’s so good in your sport right now,” Bluder stated.

“[Clark] is a person that’s really helped athletics, helped women’s sports in a way that nobody has helped women’s sports, maybe since Billie Jean King.”

Bluder emphasized that Clark‘s spotlight benefits the broader community of women’s athletics.

“When Caitlin’s light shines on her, it shines on all of us. And I think everybody else needs to embrace that a little bit better,” she added.

A Legacy That Transcends the Court

Bluder‘s connection to Clark runs deep. During her tenure as head coach of the Hawkeyes, Bluder guided the team to consecutive NCAA championship games in 2023 and 2024, making Clark’s era one of the most memorable in program history.

Bluder reflected on Clark‘s dedication and the way her influence extends beyond her individual achievements. She argued that Clark‘s success has opened doors for female athletes across the board and should be celebrated as a unifying force for women’s sports.

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For many, Clark‘s recognition by Time reflects her dual role as a groundbreaking athlete and an ambassador for her sport. Her story, blending exceptional talent with an unwavering commitment to excellence, continues to inspire both teammates and fans.

As Bluder eloquently put it, supporting athletes like Clark isn’t just about celebrating their triumphs-it’s about ensuring their legacy uplifts everyone around them.

Taylor Swift Is Getting Destroyed On Social Media For Her ‘Jealous’ Reaction To Selena Gomez’s Engagement Announcement

Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Taylor Swift may have been happier than Selena Gomez after she revealed their engagement.

Selena Gomez confirmed her and Benny Blanco’s engagement in a sweet Instagram post on Wednesday.

Swift is already planning her involvement in longtime friend Selena Gomez’s wedding.

“Yes, I will be the flower girl,” the pop star commented on the bride-to-be’s Wednesday announcement.

Not everyone was enthused by what Swift said.