Who needs a runway when you’re owning the court? Jade Jones, the effervescent girlfriend of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, just proved she’s Caitlin Clark’s unofficial hype woman. After Clark was named TIME Athlete of the Year, Jones wasted no time showering the WNBA sensation with praise—and maybe nudging modeling agencies to take notes.
Clark, in her typical trailblazing fashion, became just the second woman to win this prestigious accolade, following Olympic GOAT Simone Biles. The monochrome basketball-themed photoshoot for the TIME cover sent waves across social media, but perhaps none louder than Jones’s gleeful commentary.
“Modeling agencies are screaming,” Jones quipped under Clark’s Instagram post. She even took to her own IG story, enthusiastically hyping the Iowa sharpshooter, who just casually became the sixth-ever TIME Athlete of the Year. No big deal.
Clark Joins Elite Company
Joining the ranks of legends like LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and the US Women’s National Soccer Team, Clark’s resume now boasts a TIME cover and a Rookie of the Year award—all before turning 25. Honestly, is there anything she can’t do?
Even Haliburton chimed in, revealing that he, Jones, Clark, and Clark’s longtime boyfriend Connor McCaffery are so tight they have a group chat. Who wouldn’t want a front-row seat to this power-friendship? “It’s cool to grow my friendship with her,” Haliburton said. Translation: they’re probably sending memes about Clark’s record-breaking three-pointers.
Controversy? Clark Eats It for Breakfast
Clark has faced her share of drama—rivalries, narrative wars, and debates sparked by the viral “you can’t see me” gesture during March Madness. Yet, she remains unbothered.
“People love controversy, but I’m not controversial,” Clark told TIME. “I treat everyone with the same respect. It’s just storylines people create around me.”
And speaking of storylines, Clark isn’t shy about highlighting the contributions of Black players in the WNBA, reminding the world that the league’s foundation rests on their excellence. “We have to appreciate and elevate Black women. That’s how we truly celebrate this league’s beauty,” she said. Mic drop.
From Rookie of the Year to TIME Athlete: Clark’s Epic Journey
Clark’s rookie season was nothing short of magical. First Team All-WNBA? Check. Rookie of the Year? Double-check. Breaking assist and three-point shooting records while somehow finding time to star on a TIME cover? Triple-check.
With her sharp wit, unmatched talent, and an Instagrammable cover photo, Caitlin Clark has proven she’s more than an athlete—she’s a cultural phenomenon. And with fans like Jade Jones in her corner, it’s safe to say she’s not just breaking records; she’s breaking the mold.
So, modeling agencies, if you’re reading this, get your contracts ready. Clark just dunked on your casting calls.