Caitlin Clark's remarkable journey in the WNBA has captured the nation's attention. Her rookie season was nothing short of historic, breaking records and shattering barriers. In an exclusive interview with Time, she opens up about her life in the spotlight and the impact of her success on the league.

Transformative Accomplishments and the Spotlight

Clark, at just 22 years old, has achieved feats that are truly extraordinary. She was named Time's Athlete of the Year, a prestigious honor that recognizes her work on and off the court. Her logo 3s and expert passes have become synonymous with her game, and she has directed a surge in attention and ratings to the 27-year-old league.In an extensive interview, Clark shares her perspective on these transformative accomplishments. She acknowledges the attention she has received but also emphasizes her commitment to treating everyone with respect. "I tell people I feel like the most controversial person," she said. "But I am not. It's just because of all the storylines that surround me. I literally try to live and treat everybody in the same exact respectful, kind way. It just confuses me at times."Through her first season with the Indiana Fever, selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark has navigated the rookie year with grace. "You feel powerful," she said. "Instantly, everybody goes crazy. People are invested in the game, they love the game, and that's what makes it so fun for me. These people aren't supporting women's sports to check a box. It's going to be the new normal."

Impact on the WNBA and Women's Sports

Clark's success has had a profound impact on the WNBA. She has helped make the league the fastest growing brand of 2024, and her record $28-million shoe deal with Nike is a testament to her star power. Her popularity has opened up new opportunities and conversations about race and its perception in sports."I want to say I've earned every single thing, but as a White person, there is privilege," Clark said. "A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them." She continued, "The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it's very important. I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate Black women, that's going to be a beautiful thing."

Relationship with Angel Reese and the Controversy

Clark also addressed her relationship with Chicago Sky star Angel Reese and the controversy that followed the 2023 national championship game. "I don't get that at all," she said. "We're not best friends, by any means, but we're very respectful of one another. Yes, we have had tremendous battles. But when have I ever guarded her? And when has she guarded me?"Clark added, "The only thing people cared about was this controversy that was really fabricated and made up, and then that has continued to be the case ever since."

Charisma and Sense of Humor

Elsewhere in the story, Clark's friends and teammates have called attention to her charisma and seldom-talked-about sense of humor. Her former Fever teammate Temi Fagbenle described how comfortable she is in the spotlight. "She wouldn't just sing a regular happy birthday," Fagbenle said. "It would be a grandiose performance. She loves her moments."Clark's ability to shine both on and off the court makes her a true icon in the world of women's sports. Her story is one of inspiration and determination, and she continues to break barriers and make history.