Caitlin Clark discusses rise in popularity, role as an ambassador

There’s a lot that comes with being the face that’s synonymous with a sport. Even so, Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is trying to enjoy that opportunity and use it to promote women’s basketball the best that she can.

Clark addressed the spotlight on her and her role as a spokesperson for women’s ‘hoops during a recent media availability. She started by saying she’s just trying to appreciate this moment in her college career, even though, at times, it’s a hectic circumstance to have to handle in her day-to-day away from the court.

“I think I’ve just tried to enjoy every single thing and every opportunity that I’ve had. They’re very unique and I don’t know if I’ll be able to have a lot of those opportunities for the rest of my life,” said Clark. “I think that’s the biggest thing — just soaking it in.

“It kind of takes you back for a second. I feel like I was just that young girl that was playing basketball,” explained Clark. “I still feel like a very normal individual. But I can’t really, especially in the state of Iowa, go out in public without being recognized. It’s always only really good things. It’s cool to see people rally behind this team, whether it’s just in our state or across the country.

She also is happy to take on this responsibility if it continues to bring new attention to the sport. Regardless of if she’s the reason some people are tuning in or not, she wants that audience to continue to do so and enjoy all that women’s college basketball has to offer.

“It’s cool to see the amount of attention that you brought to women’s basketball and our team brought to women’s basketball,” Clark said. “Going into this year, I hope to continue to do that and show people, like, this is something you should continue to watch.

“And not only watch Iowa women’s basketball,” added Clark. “There’s tremendous basketball all across the country. It has been that way for a while but I’m glad they’re just catching on. I hope they stay.”

Clark has become a box office attraction in Iowa City and became a national one after last season. She’s coming off a season where she posted career-highs of 27.8 points and 8.6 assists per game. Those stats helped her become the National Player of the Year and take the Hawkeyes to a national championship appearance.

Still, women’s basketball at the collegiate level is bigger than her and that’s the point she wants to make. She appreciates the love but wants to continue to promote everything that comes with their game rather than just herself.