WNBA enthusiasts were taken aback to discover that Indiana Fever’s guard Caitlin Clark would not be joining some of the league’s most prominent players on the flight to Paris this summer for the Olympic Games. Despite her current stature in women’s basketball, Clark’s name was surprisingly missing from head coach Cheryl Reeve’s Team USA roster, underscoring the gap she must bridge to reach the pinnacle of the WNBA.
Reeve’s inclination towards experienced players like Chelsea Gray and Diana Taurasi in the backcourt means Clark will have to set her sights on the 2028 Summer Olympics for a chance to represent the United States on this grand stage. Naturally, fans were eager to learn how the 22-year-old would react to the Olympic “snub.”
Clark Remains Optimistic About Future Selection
Facing the press on Sunday, just a day after finding out about her exclusion from the Paris-bound team, Clark maintained her composure. Rather than expressing frustration or blaming Reeve, Clark opted for a dignified response following her 30-point performance in a victory over the Washington Mystics.
“Honestly, there’s no disappointment,” Clark remarked regarding her exclusion from Team USA. “I see it as something to strive for. It’s a dream, and hopefully one day I’ll be there. It just serves as additional motivation. You remember this moment, and hopefully, when four years roll around again, I’ll be ready.”
Throughout her collegiate career at Iowa, Clark thrived on perceived slights, using them as fuel to become the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and leading the Hawkeyes to two national championship games during her tenure. Her rookie season in the WNBA has been challenging—Indiana is among the league’s bottom teams with a 3-9 record—but she notched her second 30-point game on Friday, showing clear signs of growth with each outing.
Clark’s poise and maturity will be crucial as she advances in her professional journey. With perseverance and a bit of luck, she’ll likely be on the plane to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games.