In 2024, Caitlin Clark made history by becoming the first-ever WNBA player to be named TIME’s Athlete of the Year. This monumental achievement not only marked a personal milestone for Clark but also represented a breakthrough moment for women’s basketball. By joining the ranks of Simone Biles as one of only two women to receive this honor, Clark’s recognition propelled both the league and the sport into uncharted levels of visibility.

The Rise of Caitlin Clark

Clark’s journey to stardom began at the University of Iowa, where she quickly became one of the most dominant players in NCAA history. Over her four years, she shattered records, including becoming the all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball, surpassing legends like Pete Maravich and Kelsey Plum. Her success wasn’t just about the numbers. Clark was a powerhouse of talent, earning multiple National Player of the Year honors and All-American selections while delivering performances that consistently captured national attention.

Her playing style, a mix of scoring brilliance and elite playmaking, made her one of the most exciting players to watch. She was an unstoppable force on the court, and her ability to lead her team while making history turned her into a household name. But it wasn’t just her athleticism that captured the public’s eye; it was also her ability to engage fans and bring attention to women’s basketball in ways that had never been done before.

The “Caitlin Clark Effect”

Clark’s influence went far beyond the court. The term “Caitlin Clark Effect” became synonymous with skyrocketing TV ratings and fan engagement. The 2024 NCAA Women’s Final, featuring Clark, attracted an astonishing 18.9 million viewers—surpassing even that year’s men’s championship game and marking the most-watched women’s college basketball game in history. This surge in viewership highlighted how much Clark had captured the nation’s attention and how pivotal her presence was in raising the profile of the sport.

Her influence continued into the WNBA, where her debut with the Indiana Fever became the most-watched regular-season game since 2002. Her selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft broke records, and her rookie season was just as remarkable. Clark led the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016, earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors, made the All-WNBA First Team, and set new single-season and single-game assist records. She had redefined what it meant to be a rookie in the league, blending scoring and playmaking in a way that had never been seen before.

The Challenges of Being the Face of the Sport

As the face of women’s basketball, Clark’s rise brought its fair share of challenges. In interviews, she has acknowledged the intense scrutiny she faces. Clark has candidly called herself “the most controversial person,” not due to her actions, but because of the narratives that surround her. She has highlighted the privilege she holds as a white athlete, recognizing that her platform has afforded her opportunities and visibility that many of the league’s Black athletes have not received. Clark has expressed a desire to use her influence to uplift and advocate for these athletes, pushing for more recognition and equity in the sport.

While many celebrated her success, some critics weren’t as enthusiastic. Sheila Johnson, managing partner of the Washington Mystics, publicly voiced her disapproval of TIME’s focus on Clark, suggesting that it overshadowed the contributions of other elite players across the WNBA. However, the statistics told a different story. For example, 31% of the Mystics’ total home attendance for the 2024 season came from just two games against the Fever, underscoring Clark’s undeniable impact on the game.

Giving Back Beyond Basketball

Clark’s influence extends off the court as well. In 2023, she launched the Caitlin Clark Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on supporting youth through education, nutrition, and sports access. This foundation is a testament to Clark’s desire to leave a lasting legacy beyond her athletic achievements. She’s thinking about the future and the opportunities she can provide to the next generation of athletes, especially those who may not have had access to the resources that helped her rise to stardom.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Women’s Basketball

As Clark prepares for her second season in the WNBA in 2025, the expectations are sky-high. Her rookie season set an extraordinary benchmark for both performance and cultural impact. She has helped usher in a new era for women’s basketball, one where higher viewership, better compensation, and increased respect are starting to enter the conversation. Clark’s impact is now undeniable: she’s helped redefine what is possible for women’s sports, from shattering records to pushing the boundaries of media visibility.

Her rise in 2024 wasn’t just about breaking records—it was about shifting the trajectory of an entire sport. Clark’s ability to draw in millions of new fans, challenge long-standing narratives, and bring a new level of attention to women’s basketball is proof that one athlete can truly change the game. TIME’s recognition of Caitlin Clark as Athlete of the Year is more than just a personal honor—it’s a turning point for the entire sport of women’s basketball, signaling that the future of the game has arrived.

As we look to the future, Caitlin Clark’s story serves as a reminder of the power of visibility, influence, and passion in changing not just a sport, but an entire industry. The journey she has begun has only just begun, and her impact on basketball—and on sports in general—will be felt for years to come.