ESPN NEWS: “From College Rival to WNBA Icon — Dawn Staley Hails Caitlin Clark as One of the Greatest to Ever Grace the League, Celebrating the Rookie’s Impact, Record-Breaking Start, and Trailblazing Rise That’s Already Changing the Face of Women’s Basketball Forever”

🏀🔥 ESPN NEWS: “From College Rival to WNBA Icon — Dawn Staley Hails Caitlin Clark as One of the Greatest to Ever Grace the League, Celebrating the Rookie’s Impact, Record-Breaking Start, and Trailblazing Rise That’s Already Changing the Face of Women’s Basketball Forever” 🔥🏀

 

In a powerful and heartfelt tribute that has the basketball world buzzing, South Carolina women’s head coach Dawn Staley—one of the most respected figures in the game—has publicly praised Caitlin Clark, calling the Indiana Fever rookie “one of the greatest to ever grace the WNBA” after her explosive debut and historic impact in the early stages of her professional career.

 

Staley, who once coached against Clark in several intense college showdowns during the Iowa-South Carolina battles, didn’t hold back in her admiration. During a press conference following a Gamecocks summer practice session, she was asked about Clark’s transition to the WNBA. Her response was more than just an endorsement—it was a recognition of greatness in real time.

 

> “Caitlin Clark is doing things we’ve never seen before,” Staley said. “She’s not just putting up numbers—she’s elevating the game, drawing in fans, inspiring a new generation, and handling every moment with grace. I said it in college, and I’ll say it now: she’s one of the greatest to ever touch a basketball. And the WNBA is lucky to have her.”

 

 

 

Clark, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, has been nothing short of spectacular since stepping into the pros. In just a handful of games, she’s already broken records and set new standards for rookie performance. Averaging 21.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game, she has helped spark a resurgence in national attention for the league.

 

Attendance has surged at every arena she visits, jersey sales have skyrocketed, and national broadcasts featuring Clark and the Indiana Fever have broken viewership records week after week. She’s not only living up to the hype—she’s surpassing it.

 

For Staley, who has long championed the growth of women’s basketball and has mentored countless players who went on to dominate professionally, Clark’s ascension is more than just a headline—it’s a movement.

 

> “She’s what we hoped this generation would be—fearless, creative, unapologetically competitive,” Staley added. “And the most important thing? She’s still just getting started.”

 

 

 

This high praise is particularly noteworthy given the competitive rivalry between Iowa and South Carolina during Clark’s college days. In 2023, Clark led Iowa to a Final Four victory over the Gamecocks, ending their undefeated season. Despite the heartbreak of that loss, Staley has never wavered in her respect for Clark’s talent and character.

 

“I was heartbroken after that game, yes,” Staley reflected. “But even in that moment, I could look at her and say, ‘That kid is special.’ She earned it.”

 

Clark’s meteoric rise mirrors that of Staley herself during her playing days—a high-IQ floor general with elite vision, unmatched range, and the ability to shift the energy of a game with a single possession. Staley, who won three Olympic gold medals and is a Naismith Hall of Famer, understands firsthand the weight of greatness, and her words carry that level of authority.

 

Many within the WNBA community are echoing Staley’s sentiments. Former players, current stars, analysts, and fans alike are heralding Caitlin Clark as the face of the league’s future—a player capable of doing for women’s basketball what Michael Jordan did for the NBA and what Serena Williams did for tennis.

 

Beyond the court, Clark has become a marketing icon. Her image graces everything from billboards to magazine covers. She’s inked endorsement deals with major global brands, all while maintaining her commitment to team play, humility, and leadership.

 

And yet, despite all the fame, Clark remains focused.

 

> “I appreciate the love,” Clark responded after being told of Staley’s praise. “Coach Staley is someone I’ve looked up to for years. She’s a legend, and for her to say that means the world. But I’ve got a long way to go, and I’m just getting started.”

 

 

 

If these early chapters are any indication, the story of Caitlin Clark is going to be one of the greatest ever told in sports.

 

With endorsements from iconic figures like Dawn Staley, sky-high fan engagement, and performances that defy logic, it’s not an exaggeration to say that Caitlin Clark is redefining the WNBA—and doing it with a flair, humility, and fire that will inspire generations to come.