The 2024 WNBA rookie class did more than just make headlines—they practically redefined the league. Leading the charge? None other than Caitlin Clark, the sharpshooting sensation from Iowa, and Angel Reese, who made being a dominant forward look like a walk in the park. Together, these two stars had their rookie season covered in confetti (and Twitter mentions). But what’s next? Apparently, a Players’ Tribune Rookie Survival Guide—where Clark, Reese, and others dish out advice, and it’s loaded with wisdom and a sprinkle of sarcasm.
Clark’s Advice: Keep Your Cool (And Maybe Your Ankles Intact)
If you’ve ever seen Caitlin Clark pull up from midcourt like she’s in a three-point contest, you’d think she has the confidence of a player who’s been in the league for a decade. But according to Clark, even the best need to take a deep breath now and then.
“Allow yourself some grace,” Clark said. “You’ll learn, you’ll catch on, and you’ll get comfortable as time goes on. Have fun; it goes by so fast, so you’ve got to soak it in.”
Translation: Try not to trip over your own feet in your debut game, and if you do, just pretend it’s a dance move. Also, that ‘fun’ part? Maybe take it easy on those half-court heat checks unless you want a permanent bench seat.
Angel Reese: Don’t Stress Your Draft Number—Unless It’s Really Low
Meanwhile, Angel Reese—aka The Queen of Rebounds and Unfiltered Takes—dropped some gems for the rookies stressing over their draft position.
“It doesn’t matter what number you get drafted; it matters where you get drafted,” Reese said. Easy for her to say when she’s racking up stats like they’re going out of style, but the point stands: a higher draft number doesn’t automatically equal WNBA greatness. Unless, of course, you’re Caitlin Clark, who was drafted exactly where she was supposed to be.
Reese’s subtext: No matter where you land, just keep balling out and proving why you should’ve been picked first. And if you get snubbed? Use it as fuel. Petty points matter.
Leonie Fiebich: It’s All About Hustle (And Sneaky Extra Minutes)
Now, enter Leonie Fiebich, the New York Liberty’s low-key gem. Fiebich didn’t even sniff the WNBA hardwood until 2024, but when she did, she made it count—especially in the postseason. She had one major tip for rookies: hustle like your life depends on it.
“Just always give it your all—100%,” she said. “Especially hustle plays, getting extra possessions—that’s really appreciated by your vets out there.”
In other words, if you want to impress those WNBA veterans (and keep them from rolling their eyes every time you touch the ball), you better be diving for every loose ball and fighting for rebounds like you’re in a cage match. Hustle isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifestyle.
Rickea Jackson: Be a Sponge, But Don’t Be Squishy
L.A. Sparks rookie Rickea Jackson chimed in with some no-nonsense advice that rookies everywhere need to hear: know your role, own it, and be a sponge.
“But if you’re not able to be on the court at the time, just make sure in practice you’re doing all the little things to make sure you’ll get to where you need to be,” she said.
Pro tip: Even if you’re not getting minutes, show up in practice like it’s Game 7 of the Finals. Because nothing screams “I’m ready to start” like blocking your star teammate’s shot in a scrimmage.
The Verdict? This Rookie Class Isn’t Here to Play It Safe
From Clark’s laser-like precision to Reese’s dominance, the 2024 WNBA rookie class came in hot—and they’ve got no intention of cooling down. Their advice to the next generation is simple: work hard, have fun, and hustle like every possession could be your last. Also, maybe don’t pull a “Clark” and shoot from the logo unless you’ve practiced it 100 times.
With the 2025 WNBA Draft looming and future stars like Paige Bueckers waiting in the wings, the torch has been passed. And if the next class listens to these rookies, we’re in for another wild season of buzzer-beaters, record-breakers, and more memes than the WNBA can handle.
And for those rookies who don’t heed the advice? Well, there’s always a seat at the end of the bench.
