Moments after drilling an epic buzzer-beater to lift Iowa to a win over Michigan State, Caitlin Clark delivered a classy postgame message during an interview on Peacock.
The shot, an incredible step-back three from nearly half-court that tickled the twine for her 40th point of the game and gave Iowa a key BIg Ten win, was only part of the reason fans have embraced Clark. The other is her humility and drive to keep growing the women’s game, which was on full display in the postgame interview.
“Honestly, I just look around and I get to play in an arena full of little kids, a lot of little girls who admire our team,” Clark said. “A lot of fans that are here at 8 p.m. on a Tuesday night in the beginning of January. That’s rare for women’s basketball, but it’s becoming the norm.”
Caitlin Clark is soaking it all in. pic.twitter.com/AtNKJ05Usu
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) January 3, 2024
Clark even said that she gets emotional when she sees crowds of fans like this supporting her team and women’s basketball as a whole.
“It kind of brings a little tear to my eye,” Clark said. “I’m just grateful to play in a place that loves women’s basketball, supports women’s basketball.”
Moments like that one are why Clark has become one of the most popular college athletes anywhere, and fans loved Clark’s message.
🥹 trailblazer. Thank you @CaitlinClark22 https://t.co/O1kn1D3GFN
— katie nommensen 🧸 (@katiex04) January 3, 2024
Absolutely phenomenal. 🐐 💛🖤 https://t.co/bkpj7IK6s8
— KristinKH (@HagedonKristin) January 3, 2024
She is her https://t.co/ekXEhJ3Pv8
— Joel Godett (@JoelGodett) January 3, 2024
If she leaves Iowa this year, the #1 pick in the WNBA draft will be headed to the Indiana Fever - lucky them! https://t.co/efEGNMkyDg
— Linda Camara (@LcamaraLinda) January 3, 2024