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In a near-unanimous decision that surprised few, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was named the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year on Thursday, securing 66 of 67 possible votes. The accolade caps a transformative season for both Clark and the league, marking a new era in women's professional basketball.
The former Iowa standout averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, leading all rookies in scoring while topping the entire WNBA in assists and made three-pointers (122). "She's put herself in position to be called one of the best players in the league. That's incredible for a rookie," Fever head coach Christie Sides remarked last month.
Clark's impact extended far beyond statistics. The Fever experienced an unprecedented 319% increase in attendance, setting an all-time WNBA record with a home average of 17,035 fans. This surge prompted several teams to relocate their games against Indiana to larger venues to accommodate the demand.
The No. 1 overall pick's journey to professional stardom began after rewriting collegiate record books at Iowa. Her transition to the WNBA was seamless, as she achieved multiple milestones, including becoming the first rookie in the league's 28-year history to record a triple-double in July, followed by another in September.
Her closest competitor for the award, Chicago Sky's Angel Reese, who led the league in rebounding with 13.1 per game, received the sole remaining vote. Reese's season was cut short due to a broken wrist in the final weeks.
Clark's impact catalyzed the Fever's first playoff appearance since 2016, where they faced the Connecticut Sun in a first-round series. Despite being eliminated, Clark remained optimistic, stating it gave the team "a taste of where we want to be."
The rookie sensation's marketability hasn't gone unnoticed. Following the announcement, the WNBA promptly released nine new apparel items celebrating her achievement. The league will also present Clark with a $5,150 prize and a commemorative trophy.
As the Fever look to build upon this season's success, Clark's Rookie of the Year honor stands as both a culmination of her remarkable debut and a harbinger of what's to come. With Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston forming a formidable core, Indiana's future appears brighter than ever.
