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WNBA fans were largely stunned to learn that Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark would not be ing some of the league's other best-known players on a flight to Paris this summer for the Olympic Games. Despite her current influence over women's basketball, Clark was left off head coach Cheryl Reeve's Team USA roster in a surprise move that shows how far the rookie has to go to move into the W's upper echelon.
Reeve's preference for veteran players like Chelsea Gray and Diana Taurasi in the backcourt means Clark will have to wait until the 2028 Summer Olympics to represent the United States at the prestigious event. But as for the 22-year-old's current mentality? Fans were curious as to how she responded to the Olympic "snub."
Clark hopeful that one day, she will be selected
Clark faced the media on Sunday for the first time after learning Saturday that she did not make the cut for Paris. Instead of groveling and calling out Reeve or others, Clark chose to take the high road off the back of a 30-point performance in a win over the Washington Mystics.
"Honestly, no disappointment," Clark said about missing the cut for Team USA. "I think it just gives you something to work for. It's a dream, hopefully one day I can be there. I think it's just a little bit more motivation. You that and hopefully when four years comes back around, I can be there."
Clark used perceived slights as motivation throughout her college career at Iowa -- a mentality that helped her become the NCAA's all-time leading point scorer and saw her guide the Hawkeyes to two national championship games during her four years with the team. Clark's rookie year in the WNBA has not been perfect -- Indiana is one of the league's worst teams at 3-9 -- but she ed the second 30-point game of her young career on Friday and looks to be improving with each game.
Clark's demeanor and maturity will have to be key as she continues her pro career -- and with time, as well as a little luck, she will be on the plane to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games.