One of the most promising young talents in women’s basketball, Caitlin Clark, has reportedly been left off the roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024. Despite a stellar rookie season in the WNBA, the 22-year-old will not be joining her peers in representing the United States on the international stage.
While Team USA has yet to officially announce their women’s basketball roster, multiple reputable sources, including NBC News, have indicated that Clark will not be part of the team. Instead, veterans like Brittney Griner, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart are expected to lead the charge in Paris.
USA Today provided additional insight, citing sources with extensive experience in the women’s game. According to these insiders, Team USA management had concerns about how Clark’s passionate fan base would react if her playing time was limited, given the depth of talent on the roster.
As of now, neither Clark nor Team USA has publicly addressed these reports. However, Team USA did confirm that they have not made any official announcements regarding the roster.
Clark’s journey to the WNBA began at the University of Iowa, where she dominated the collegiate scene. She was the top pick in the WNBA Draft earlier this year, selected by the Indiana Fever. Reflecting on that moment, Clark shared her gratitude and attributed her success to hard work and the unwavering support of her family.
“I got a little anxious before the pick,” she confessed to ESPN after the draft. “But more than anything, I’m just grateful and lucky to have my family here and my friends over there, coaches up here. I’ve dreamed of this moment since second grade, and it’s taken a lot of hard work and ups and downs. But more than anything, I’m trying to soak it in.”
Clark also credited her parents for instilling confidence in her from a young age, which has been a driving force in her athletic career.
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Since joining the Fever, Clark has been instrumental in their success, with her most recent standout performance coming on Friday, June 6. She scored 30 points and sank seven three-pointers to lead the Fever to victory over the Washington Mystics.
Despite her exclusion from the Olympic roster, Clark has previously expressed her dream of representing her country on the international stage. In an interview in March, she shared her excitement about being invited to a USA Basketball camp, stating, “You always want to grow up and be on the Olympic team… Just to be extended a camp invite is something you have to be proud of and celebrate and enjoy.”
While Clark may not be heading to Paris with Team USA, her talent and dedication to the sport are undeniable, and she will undoubtedly continue to make waves in the WNBA and beyond.
