Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve didn’t buy into the Caitlin Clark hype when the Iowa standout first entered the WNBA. In her mind, Clark was another “hot prospect” with high expectations and not enough mileage. But the basketball gods, it seems, had other plans.
Reeve initially brushed off Clark as just another flash-in-the-pan sensation, hyped up by enthusiastic fans and an insatiable media. “Transcendent” and “game-changer” seemed a little over-the-top to describe this rookie who’d barely laced up her sneakers. However, as the 2024 season unfolded—and especially after Clark’s astonishing performance in Paris—Reeve found herself rethinking her stance. In an almost cinematic twist, Reeve’s criticisms morphed into admiration, transforming her from skeptic to fan.
Paris Wasn’t Ready for Caitlin Clark
During the Paris Olympics, Clark’s skill and charisma were on full display, and Reeve couldn’t ignore the energy she brought to the court. As Clark racked up jaw-dropping stats and delighted the crowds with her signature swagger, Reeve had a courtside view of the spectacle. Slowly but surely, her skepticism began to fade. “Transcendent roadshow” and “the headliner women’s basketball needed”—words Reeve herself later used to describe Clark—became the new vocabulary in her interviews.
Clark’s journey from doubted rookie to the WNBA’s most exciting new player also lit a fire under the fan base. Ticket sales soared, and the Indiana Fever quickly became one of the most-watched teams. When Clark led the Fever to Minneapolis to face Reeve’s Lynx—on the same night the legendary Maya Moore’s jersey was retired—her influence was undeniable. The stands were packed with fans eager to witness Clark’s magic firsthand, showing how her talent and charisma had reignited passion for women’s basketball.
Reeve’s Unexpected Love for the ‘Clark Effect’
Clark’s impact isn’t just in the stats—though her three-pointers do have a flair all their own. It’s her ability to captivate crowds, pump up her team, and leave opposing coaches wondering if they can possibly recruit her. Reeve, perhaps reluctantly at first, admitted that she wouldn’t mind seeing Clark in a Lynx jersey. “She’s a generational talent,” Reeve conceded, with a hint of admiration she could barely disguise.
Clark’s rise in the WNBA brought a wave of fans who were suddenly passionate about women’s basketball. They flocked to arenas, posted non-stop on social media, and turned WNBA game nights into marquee events. For Reeve, watching this excitement unfold was eye-opening. Here was a young player who wasn’t just there to perform—she was there to transform.
From Critic to Champion
Reeve’s journey from critic to Clark superfan speaks to the young guard’s power to win over even the toughest audiences. As she continues to light up the WNBA, Clark has not only cemented her own place in the league but also lifted the profile of women’s basketball in ways that nobody could have predicted.
It’s not often you see a coach go from being openly skeptical to wishing she had the player on her team. But that’s exactly what happened here. Caitlin Clark’s bold style, undeniable skill, and ability to command the game have turned the league on its head, one three-pointer at a time. And for Reeve, seeing the Clark Effect in action may just have been one of her most enjoyable surprises of the season.
