Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the top pick in the WNBA draft after a record-setting college career, said she was happy Sunday after her first practice at WNBA training camp.
“It was a good first day,” Clark said Sunday. “It was tough. But that’s what you expect from these practices. It’s just fun to hang out with all the girls.
The 22-year-old American phenom, who set an American collegiate record for both men and women, is an elite 3-point shooter who received worldwide acclaim by leading the University of Iowa to the last two finals American universities, the Hawkeyes having failed to do so. of the crown every time.
READ: Caitlin Clark Named No. 1 in WNBA Draft by Indiana Fever
Clark, selected first in the WNBA draft on April 15, said that during the season she was leaving for the WNBA ranks and that her dedicated fan base should increase ratings and attendance for the women’s league American when the 2024 season begins next month.
“It’s a new chapter and this is what I was ready for,” Clark said. “I had a few workouts under my belt (before Sunday). It really helps me, so I don’t come into training camp completely blind.
The Fever haven’t reached the WNBA playoffs since 2016, haven’t won a playoff series or had a winning season since 2015 and won their only championship in 2012.
“Our goal is the playoffs,” Fever coach Christie Sides said.
Clark said she’s excited about the pressure of the WNBA, which begins Friday with a preseason game in Dallas.
“It’s definitely different, but it’s what you expect when you start a new chapter in your life,” Clark said.
READ: Caitlin Clark Makes Surprise Appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live’
“This coaching staff is perfectly prepared. They’ve been watching me for a while and the things that they have planned and the actions that we’re going to take are going to be really good for me, really good for this group in general. Lots of screening actions.
“It’s fast, a quick shot clock, but it fits my game well.”
Getting back on the field for the two-hour team workout allowed Clark to put aside a whirlwind of recent weeks as his popularity exploded during a college postseason run last month.
“I think that’s what I was most excited about: getting all these other things out of the way,” Clark said. “I really didn’t have any time off to catch my breath.
“I feel like I’m in really good basketball shape. I can’t get back into shape. I played basketball. There wasn’t really a slow period. To me, I feel like that’s a really good thing. Just keep the momentum going, keep being myself, and keep learning.