New York Liberty v Indiana FeverWatch: Caitlin Clark hails “special year” after winning ESPY for Best Record-Breaking performance (Image source – IMAGN)

Caitlin Clark was not in attendance at this year’s ESPY Awards, but she certainly was one of the biggest winners on the night. Clark won two awards, first as the Best College Athlete Women’s Sports before the show started broadcasting.

The second was the Best Record-Breaking performance, edging out NFL’s Christian McCaffrey, for making history as the NCAA all-time leading scorer across men’s and women’s divisions with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Despite being busy with the WNBA schedule, Clark sent her regards with a video message as she accepted the award.

“I just wanted to say thank you for this recognition. Obviously, I could not be there tonight…I’m a little bit busy in Indianapolis,” Caitlin Clark said in the virtual acceptance speech.

Clark expressed how special her year with Iowa was, as she captivated the sports world with her long-range shooting and all-around game.

“This award means a lot not only to myself but to my teammates and coaches that I had at the University of Iowa. It’s special for all of us and it was a special year in women’s athletics. Thank you, ESPN.

I just want to give a shout-out to all the nominees and award winners tonight. I’m sad I couldn’t be there but I hope you all have an amazing night,” she added.

Clark scored 3951 points in her four years with the Hawkeyes, breaking not just the women’s scoring record but also the men’s record previously held by NBA legend Pete Maravich. She averaged 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game in her college career.

Clark was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA draft. After a slow start in her WNBA career, she has gained her footing in the professional ranks, leading the team with a 9-12 record.

The Fever rookie became the first rookie in WNBA history to tally a triple-double in a win versus the New York Liberty, where she recorded 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds.

Serena Williams jokes about Caitlin Clark’s popularity in her ESPYs speech

Serena Williams was the ESPYs host this year, and she brought some hilarious quips for her opening speech. One of those quips was about Caitlin Clark, who she likened to Boston Celtics’ Larry Bird.

“Caitlin Clark had an amazing year and is nominated for three awards…You are the Larry Bird in that you are an amazing player, you have ties to Indiana, and white people are really crazy about you,” said WIlliams.

Caitlin Clark was the most nominated athlete in the show, making it into three nods including one for the Best Athlete.