It seems Caitlin Clark forgot to read the rookie handbook, because instead of “easing in,” she’s bulldozing her way through the WNBA history books, leaving no record unshattered. The Indiana Fever superstar has just become the first rookie in 16 years to land a spot on the All-WNBA First Team—because, you know, setting just one record in your debut season isn’t nearly enough for someone like Clark. Nope, she’s here to rewrite the entire league script.
At the ripe old age of 22, Clark snagged 52 first-team votes, making her the fourth-most voted player overall. Yep, you read that right—fourth. Not bad for someone who’s been in the league for all of five minutes. And of course, she’s in elite company. Joining her are Napheesa Collier, league MVP A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Alyssa Thomas. Talk about a power-packed lineup—Clark’s making herself right at home with WNBA royalty.
Oh, and the last rookie to pull this off? That would be Candace Parker back in 2008. We’re talking Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings, Diana Taurasi-level company. No big deal, right?
But Clark’s historic nod to the All-WNBA First Team is just the cherry on top of an already ridiculous rookie sundae. Earlier this month, she was crowned the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year in a landslide, because honestly, who else was even close? Not only did she earn that title, but she also decided to claim the WNBA single-season assists record (337 assists, because why stop at 300?), dropping a league-record 19 assists in a single game for good measure. And her 8.4 assists per game? Also a WNBA record. In other news, water is wet.
Clark also became the first rookie to ever record a triple-double and casually broke the rookie record for most three-pointers made in a season with 122. That sound you hear? It’s the collective jaws of WNBA fans hitting the floor.
Her meteoric rise didn’t just result in personal accolades, though. Clark was instrumental in dragging—er, inspiring—the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016. Unfortunately, the team’s fairytale run ended in the first round against the Connecticut Sun. But hey, you can’t win ’em all, right? Unless you’re Caitlin Clark, in which case… give her time.
As if all that wasn’t enough to shake up the WNBA, Clark’s fellow All-WNBA First Teamer A’ja Wilson had a legendary season of her own. The Las Vegas Aces center averaged a jaw-dropping 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.58 blocks, and 1.79 steals per game. She broke single-season records in scoring and rebounding, which seems almost tame when you consider that she led the league in points, blocks, and was second in rebounds. Wilson’s quest for a third straight championship fell short in the semifinals, but let’s be real—averaging those numbers is basically a championship in itself.
And as for Clark, well, this is just the beginning. The rookie sensation has single-handedly brought new energy (and fans) to the WNBA. One can only imagine what history she’ll rewrite next season. The future’s bright, and Caitlin Clark’s here to make sure we all see it—whether we’re ready or not.
So, congratulations to Caitlin Clark—our record-breaking, history-making, stat-stuffing queen. The WNBA will never be the same.
Caitlin Clark Makes History: First Rookie in 16 Years to Dominate All-WNBA First Team – A New Era Begins
