Game Changers: Caitlin Clark and the 2024 Rookie Class Redefine the WNBA
By Jamila Roxas
On October 4, 2024, the number one overall draft pick and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was awarded the Kia 2024 Rookie of the Year award. Delivering an unforgettable rookie season, Clark averaged 19.2 points per game on 42.4% from the field. Moreover, she shot an astonishing 34.47% from beyond the arc, as well 90.6% from the free throw line. Since declaring for the draft back in April of 2024, Clark and her fellow 2024 rookie class have brought a great amount of attention to the WNBA.
Clark started in all of Indiana's 40 regular season games impacting all categories such as scoring, assists and rebounds. Clark, an adventurous shooter, set the record for most three pointers made by a rookie in a season.
Aside from her three-point shot, Clark also set the record for fastest rookie to reach 500 points in a season. Clark showcased her scoring prowess and consistency early on in her career, which helped lead the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
In a previous interview with former University of Iowa Head Coach Lisa Bluder, she was asked how teams should plan to stop Clark, in which Bluder replied, “Pray.”
Coming off of a remarkable collegiate career at the University of Iowa, Clark’s debut for the WNBA was highly anticipated.
After Clark was drafted to the Indiana Fever, ticket and merchandise sales skyrocketed for the WNBA. When the Fever were playing, whether it was home or away ticket sales skyrocketed.
With Clark drawing worldwide attention, the Fever’s social media platform substantially, which in return brought in more sponsors to help capitalize off of the team’s amplified visibility.
It was not just Clark making waves for the WNBA. This year's 2024 rookie class was a highly anticipated class bringing in some of the most talented collegiate athletes.
Some notable names include Camilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, Aaliyah Edwards and Angel Reese.
Cardoso, drafted third overall out of South Carolina, was a dominant force inside the paint for the Chicago Sky. Cardoso finished the regular season with 7.9 rebounds, showcasing her ability to rebound on both the offensive and defensive sides of the board.
Whereas players like Rickea Jackson, were a scoring prowess for the Los Angeles Sparks. Drafted fourth overall out of the University of Tennessee, Jackson finished the regular season averaging 13.4 points per game and played a vital role in the Sparks offense this year.
Following that, the WNBA All-Rookie team comprised Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), Angel Reese, (Chicago Sky), Camilla Cardoso (Chicago Sky), Leonie Fiebich (New York Liberty) and Rickea Jackson (Los Angeles Sparks).
All these young ladies have made major impacts towards their respective teams. Crowds sold out arenas to witness the intensity and tenacious style of basketball that these young women had to offer.
The media as well had all eyes on this rookie class. Platforms such as ESPN and ESPNW featured them regularly, allowing WNBA games to reach new rating peaks. All eyes drifted towards Clark and the 2024 WNBA rookie class, allowing for old and new fans alike to witness a generation of talent.
With the regular season ending, and playoffs right around the corner, Clark helped lead the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016. Although they did not advance to the second round, it marked the beginning of many endeavors for the 2024 Rookie of the Year.
Clark didn’t just win games; she won the hearts of sports fans all over the world and became a role model for young girls all over.