Caitlin Clark has had an extraordinary year, with a standout rookie season in the WNBA and a blossoming friendship with pop superstar Taylor Swift. On December 10, Clark was honored as Time's 2024 Athlete of the Year, a prestigious accolade recognizing her historic accomplishments in basketball.
Along with the honor, the Indiana Fever guard received thoughtful gifts from Swift, who sent four bags of exclusive "Eras Tour" merchandise, accompanied by a heartfelt note. In her note, Swift expressed admiration for Clark, praising her for being an inspiring figure and a joy to watch. Swift, who herself made headlines as Time's Person of the Year in 2023, also mentioned her excitement to see Clark play in person as the “Eras Tour” came to an end, saying she and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, were looking forward to attending a game next season. Swift humorously referred to herself and Kelce as "Trav and I."
A Special Connection with Taylor Swift
Clark’s connection with Swift grew even stronger when the young basketball star attended two “Eras Tour” concerts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis in November. There, Clark had the opportunity to meet Kelce and Swift’s mother, Andrea Swift. The stadium visit turned into a spectacle, with fans recognizing Clark and reacting by snapping pictures and tossing friendship bracelets her way.
“People are just going crazy that I’m there,” Clark shared. “I thought people would be so in their own world, ready to see Taylor. And it was just completely the opposite.”
The star-studded encounter was a highlight for Clark, whose growing fame has transcended the basketball court. In addition to her athletic achievements, Clark’s deep admiration for Swift became widely known earlier in the year when the Iowa women’s basketball team shared a humorous video showing Clark enthusiastically singing along to Swift’s 2010 song “Enchanted.” The video quickly went viral, adding another layer to Clark’s already widespread appeal.
Clark’s Historic 2024 Year
2024 has been a milestone year for Clark both on and off the court. As the youngest person to ever receive Time’s Athlete of the Year honor, she joins an elite group of past recipients, including LeBron James, Simone Biles, and Lionel Messi. At just 22 years old, Clark has already achieved what many athletes dream of in an entire career. Her journey began with an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Iowa, where she became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I basketball (for both men and women), earned two national player of the year titles, and led the Hawkeyes to back-to-back national championship games.
After transitioning to the WNBA, Clark continued to break records. She was named 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year and made a significant impact on the league. WNBA TV ratings, merchandise sales, and attendance figures surged, thanks in large part to Clark’s remarkable performance and star power.
Impact Beyond the Court
Clark’s influence extends beyond basketball. Her presence helped to elevate women’s sports, with the WNBA experiencing record-breaking TV ratings and sold-out arenas throughout her rookie season. The draft that marked her entry into the WNBA became the most-watched in league history, and her stellar performance kept fans engaged.
Her rise to fame, however, was not without challenges. While Clark’s success brought attention to women’s basketball, it also made her the target of online harassment and negative media attention. She was notably excluded from the 2024 Paris Olympics, a decision that Clark acknowledged but vowed would motivate her throughout her career. Despite these setbacks, Clark remains focused on her mission to elevate women’s sports and break barriers. “I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” Clark said, recognizing the role of Black players in shaping the WNBA and emphasizing the importance of supporting and investing in all players.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Caitlin Clark
As Clark continues to make waves in the WNBA, she remains committed to her long-term goals. Looking toward the future, she expressed a desire to impact not only basketball but also the broader world. She is hopeful that her success will help create opportunities for other women athletes to shine.
