The excitement surrounding Caitlin Clark has spread to Indiana as the University of Iowa basketball standout was unsurprisingly chosen as the top pick in the WNBA draft on April 15 by the Indiana Fever.

Following the announcement at the draft ceremony held in Brooklyn, New York, Clark shared heartfelt hugs with her family members seated beside her. She then made her way to the stage, where she proudly posed with an Indiana Fever jersey, marking the beginning of her professional basketball journey in the WNBA.

"I got a little anxious there before the pick," Caitlin Clark shared after her selection. "I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was in the second grade ... I earned it and that’s why I’m so proud of it." Reflecting on her journey, Clark expressed pride in achieving her childhood dream of playing in the WNBA.

Looking ahead to her debut season in the league, Clark's primary goal is to stay true to herself and simply "have fun." Embracing authenticity and enjoyment, she aims to make the most of her inaugural WNBA campaign, fueled by the passion and dedication that have propelled her to this point in her basketball career.

The Indiana Fever faced a challenging season in 2023, finishing at the bottom of the WNBA's Eastern Conference with the league's third-worst record (13-27). However, their fortunes took a turn when they secured the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft lottery held in December. This crucial acquisition presented an opportunity for the Fever to revitalize their roster and bolster their lineup with top-tier talent.

With the first overall pick in the draft, the Fever made a significant addition by selecting Caitlin Clark, the NCAA Division I's all-time leading scorer in men's and women's basketball. Clark's remarkable achievements on the collegiate stage, including leading Iowa to two consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament championship game, highlight her exceptional skill and potential to make a profound impact at the professional level.

By adding Clark to their roster, the Fever aim to strengthen their team and elevate their performance in the upcoming WNBA season, setting their sights on a brighter future and renewed competitiveness in the league.

Caitlin Clark's remarkable collegiate career was highlighted by numerous records and achievements, solidifying her status as one of the most exceptional talents in NCAA Division I basketball.

Notably, Clark set the NCAA Division I single-season record for 3-pointers made and scored the most points in a single season in women’s NCAA Division I history. Furthermore, she established the women’s record for the most career points in Division I NCAA Tournament games, showcasing her consistent excellence on the biggest stage.

Clark's exceptional abilities, including her long-range shooting, prolific scoring, and precise passing, garnered unprecedented attention for women's college basketball, drawing widespread recognition and admiration for her talent and contributions to the sport.

The culmination of Clark's collegiate journey was marked by the Iowa Hawkeyes' appearance in the NCAA championship game against undefeated South Carolina. In a historic moment, the women's title game surpassed the men's championship game in television ratings for the first time ever. The heightened interest and viewership underscored the significance of the matchup and the impact of Clark's presence on the game.

According to ESPN, the Iowa-South Carolina showdown became the most-watched basketball game, encompassing both men's and women's college basketball and the NBA, since 2019. This milestone further solidified Clark's legacy and the profound influence she has had on the sport of basketball at all levels.

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley expressed gratitude to Caitlin Clark for her significant contributions to women's basketball following the championship game. Staley commended Clark for her role in elevating the sport, acknowledging the impact she has had on bringing attention and recognition to women's basketball. Staley emphasized that Clark's influence is not limited to the collegiate level and predicted that she would continue to uplift the WNBA as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. Staley praised Clark as one of the greatest of all time in the sport, acknowledging her pivotal role in shaping its future.

Despite having one more year of eligibility at Iowa due to the pandemic-related extension, Clark made the decision to enter the WNBA draft, marking the next phase of her basketball journey.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Iowa announced the retirement of Clark's No. 22 jersey, commemorating her remarkable legacy at the university.

The WNBA is capitalizing on Clark's popularity, with the Indiana Fever slated to have 36 of their 40 games broadcast on national television in the upcoming season, surpassing even the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces and last year's runner-up, the New York Liberty. This marks a significant increase in national exposure compared to the previous season, during which the Fever had limited national coverage.

As the WNBA season kicks off on May 14, Clark is poised for an eventful summer. In addition to her WNBA debut, she is also a candidate for the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team, which will compete in Paris in late July and August. Clark has the opportunity to join the dominant Team USA, which has maintained an unparalleled winning streak in Olympic competition, securing seven consecutive gold medals since 1992.