The WNBA All-Star Game has wrapped up, giving players not heading to Paris for the Olympics a nearly month-long break before the season resumes on August 15th. Among them is Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, who earned All-Star honors in her rookie season but was not selected for Team USA.

Clark, who has had a whirlwind few months since being drafted first overall following a historic collegiate career at Iowa, expressed her excitement for the upcoming break. She shared a post on Instagram that has quickly gone viral. The post featured 10 pictures from All-Star Weekend and a simple four-word caption: “First WNBA All-Star.”

In the All-Star Game, although Clark didn’t shoot well, she set a rookie record with 10 assists, helping lead Team WNBA to a victory over Team USA. This achievement is just one of many firsts Clark has accomplished in her debut season.

 

After Team WNBA’s triumph, there was considerable debate about whether Clark and Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale, who won the All-Star Game MVP, should have been included on USA Basketball’s Paris Olympics roster. Despite this, Clark downplayed the controversy.

“They’re really good,” Clark said of Team USA. “They have plenty of talent on that team… Four years prior, I’m pretty sure Team WNBA beat Team USA… If anything, it shows how good this league is.”

Clark’s response was measured and gracious, reflecting her focus on the league’s overall talent rather than her personal omission from the Olympic roster. Her maturity and poise off the court mirror her impressive achievements on it, reinforcing why she is one of the most exciting players to watch in the WNBA.

 

As Clark enjoys her well-earned break, fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly continue to discuss her impact on the game and anticipate her return to the court.