Angel Reese recently shared her thoughts on Caitlin Clark being named Time Magazine’s “Athlete of the Year,” expressing her disappointment over the decision.
Reese, who has been an influential figure in women’s basketball, felt that awarding Clark the title was “disrespectful” not only to her but to all the women who have contributed to the growth of the sport.
She emphasized that many athletes, including herself, have worked hard to elevate the game, and she believes that this recognition should have been more inclusive of all the athletes who have made significant impacts. Reese’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about recognition and representation in women’s sports.
WNBA star Caitlin Clark named Athlete of the Year by Times Magazine
Caitlin Clark, 22, is Time Magazine’s 2024 Athlete of the Year. The WNBA star led the league in assists and three-pointers, setting a new single-season assist record.
Clark’s influence boosted women’s basketball viewership and attendance, earning her the Rookie of the Year award and a spot on the All-WNBA first team.
Caitlin Clark has is probably having the best year of her life. Less than a year since her debut in the WNBA, the 22-year-old point guard already has several accomplishments under her belt. And now, Time Magazine has named her Athlete of the Year 2024.
Clark helped the WNBA and women’s college basketball maintain their growing popularity in 2024 and no matter how many achievements she writes to her name, nothing would do justice to her skills and dedication.
Following an impressive career at Iowa, Clark won Rookie of the Year and was selected to the All-WNBA first team in her inaugural season with the Indiana Fever in 2024, becoming the first rookie to do so since 2008.
Caitlin Clark defined her year with one word
The Time Magazine asked Clark to define her year with one word and she said, “Historic.” She further added, “I’ve been able to captivate so many people that have never watched women’s sports, let alone women’s basketball, and turn them into fans.”
She also shared her honest feelings about being at the center of heated disputes throughout the year, “I tell people I feel like the most controversial person. 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.”
Caitlin Clark is an icon in women’s basketball
Clark is credited with popularizing women’s basketball during her college career at Iowa, a phenomenon dubbed the “Caitlin Clark effect.” This term is used by several publications, highlighting Clark’s role in increasing the popularity of women’s basketball.
Ever since her record-breaking collegiate career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Clark drew public interest to the sport.
During her final seasons at Iowa in 2023 and 2024, the games she played set several attendance and television viewership records. Even after getting drafted by the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, she always gets credit for increasing WNBA attendance and viewership.
Additionally, Clark debuted on Sportico’s list of the highest-paid female athletes last week, earning $11.1 million in total. Clark’s WNBA salary of $100,000 is only a percentage of her total earnings as the majority of her income comes from endorsements. Several of those sponsors, including Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, and Panini, have continued to work with Clark as a professional, as she was drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever.
Angel Reese makes an important decision with new trainer to try and become better than Caitlin Clark
Reese is aiming for the next level.
Angel Reese is on a mission. After an abrupt end to her WNBA rookie season due to a wrist injury, the Chicago Sky star is laser-focused on returning stronger than ever.
With the Unrivaled League approaching, Reese has taken a decisive step to elevate her game, teaming up with elite trainer David Alexander, renowned for working with sports legends like LeBron James.
This strategic move marks the beginning of her preparation for the groundbreaking 3×3 women’s basketball league set to launch in January 2025.
For Reese, it’s more than a return to the court; it’s about taking her career to the next level and proving she can stand out among basketball’s elite, including fellow WNBA rookie standout Caitlin Clark.
Alexander recently shared a glimpse of their training session, writing, “! @angelreese5 / Perfecting the kinematic sequence to the seven general movement patterns. #staytuned.” Reese, ready for the challenge, replied, “let’s do itttt.”
Reese’s decision to join the Unrivaled League is a game-changer, offering both financial rewards and top-tier competition.
The new league, co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, will feature 34 of the best women’s basketball players in the world.
Reese, who will earn $250,000 for the eight-week season, also gains equity in the league, providing her with a significant financial boost compared to her WNBA salary, which averages just over $81,000 annually.
Discussing the move, Reese shared her excitement about the opportunity to stay in the U.S. while competing at a high level.
“For one, I’m staying in the States; I don’t have to go overseas. I’m making six figures, I’m living in Miami during my off-season,” she explained.
More importantly, Reese sees it as a chance to learn and grow: “I’m playing with 34 of some of the best WNBA players. Some of the best coaches… I’m excited to really dial in and get better.”
Before diving into her rigorous training, Reese allowed herself a short break. She recently visited Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where she explored the desert, rode camels, and attended the F1 Grand Prix, sharing highlights of her trip with fans.
Reese’s Road to the Top
Angel Reese’s decision to train with David Alexander underscores her commitment to excellence.
Known for working with elite athletes, Alexander brings the expertise that Reese believes will help her sharpen her skills and elevate her game.
Now settled in Miami, Reese is ready to hit the ground running. As the Unrivaled League prepares to showcase top-level competition, Reese’s hard work and dedication signal she’s not just aiming to return but to dominate.
Whether on the court or off, Angel Reese is proving she has the focus, talent, and drive to challenge the best in the game.
