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Stepping Into WNBA Legend’s Shoes, Top Draft Prospect Caitlin Clark Assumes ‘Role Model’ Responsibilities for Upcoming Generation

Published 10/10/2023, 4:51 AM EDT

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Following her outstanding performance during March Madness, Clark is taking the sports world by storm. Clark is rewriting the history books on the court. She is the only woman in Division I history to lead the country in both scoring and assists as a sophomore, averaging an incredible 27.4 points per game and 7.9 assists per game, respectively. Her long-range shooting is also one to watch; she makes 47 three-pointers from beyond 25 feet. To help put things into perspective, the NBA’s three-point arc is set at 23 feet, nine inches.

Off the court, she serves as an inspiration to many young girls. Most recently, Caitlin Clark, a top draft prospect, stepped into a WNBA legend’s shoes and took on the responsibilities of a ‘role model’ for the upcoming generation.

Caitlin Clark wishes to be a role model for the upcoming generation

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Growing up, Caitlin Clark, the 21-year-old basketball prodigy from Des Moines had a sports hero of her own. She had immense admiration for Maya Moore, the former UConn and Minnesota Lynx standout who retired from basketball. Moore’s scoring prowess and her off-court character left a profound impact on young Caitlin.

And today, Caitlin Clark is that athlete for many young girls. Following her title loss against Angel Reese and her team, she said, “I want my legacy to be the impact I have on young kids and the people of Iowa. I was that young girl (once). All you have to do is dream, and you can be in moments like this.” 

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Together with the Iowa Hawkeyes, they are bringing women in sports to the forefront. Most recently, Caitlin Clark made a triumphant return to the Target Center for the ‘Big Ten’ media day on Monday where the Iowa Hawkeyes clinched the 2023 Big Ten Tournament championship. Revealing a heart-warming anecdote of her interaction with Maaya Moore, Clark took on the role of a ‘role model’ for the upcoming generation.

via Imago

She said, “I probably sat like right over there, had a Rebekah Brunson jersey on. And Maaya Moore was doing a speaking engagement with like two other Lynx players. And I just sprinted onto the court, I wasn’t supposed to be there. Me and my dad were supposed to leave.

They were playing the Seattle Storm at the time with Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson. And I just sprinted over there. I didn’t have a phone, I didn’t have a Sharpie. I just gave her a hug and I ran away. “

“One interaction can change somebody’s life,” Clark stated. She revealed how the interaction she had with Moore was over a decade ago, yet she still brings it up every now and then.

“That’s just who you are. You understand your role of inspiring people, but you know, you were just in their shoes, you understand the impact you can have on their lives. But also, it makes an impact on us too. You know it’s cool to see little girls wanna be like us and you take that seriously.”

Clark then commended head coach Lisa Bluder for putting together a roster of “really good basketball players but even better people to be great role models for the younger generation.”

Meanwhile, as Clark embarks on her senior season at Iowa, a crucial choice awaits her at the end of the season.

When will Caitlin Clark join the WNBA?

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Caitlin Clark, a senior guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, must make a crucial choice as her current season comes to an end. During Iowa’s media day, Clark, the women’s basketball National Player of the Year from the previous season, discussed her approach to the current season and her goal to cherish every second as if it were her final in a Hawkeyes uniform. She wonders if this season is the last one, yet uncertainty lurks.

Clark is one among the many players who benefited from the COVID-19 waiver that was given in 2020–21, which would enable her to appear in a fifth season in 2024–25. She rightly remarked, “I’m going to know when I need to know. I think it’s very similar to my college decision. It’s like I’m in the recruiting process again.” 

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The talented 22-year-old guard, who boasts both athletic and academic All-American honors, could opt to enter the WNBA draft after completing four years at Iowa. She is currently ranked first in ESPN’s 2024 mock draft. Teams like the Seattle Storm, Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, and Los Angeles Sparks eagerly anticipate her decision. Any team that is fortunate enough to capture her talents would definitely benefit from her influence.

Regardless of when Caitlin Clark chooses to step into the WNBA, she is surely a talent to look out for, learning from one of WNBA’s best, Maaya Moore. What are your thoughts on Caitlin Clark? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Ranjitha Ramesh

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Ranjitha Ramesh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Ranjitha has a strong foundation in reporting and writing. Her passion for basketball, particularly the Lakers and LeBron James, fuels her desire to delve into the lifestyle and off-court activities of NBA stars.
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Edited by:

Aayush Kapoor