Departing Iowa women's basketball guard Caitlin Clark appeared on this weekend’s episode of "Saturday Night Live," where she praised several legends of the WNBA - Dawn Staley chief among them.
During the comedy show’s recurring “Weekend Update” segment, Clark discussed her looming ascension to the professional level. The former Iowa women’s basketball phenom arrived in New York ahead of Monday’s WNBA Draft , where she is all-but guaranteed to be selected by the Indiana Fever with the No. 1 overall pick.
Speaking to SNL cast member Michael Che, Clark divulged: “I’m sure it’ll be a big first step for me, but it’s just one step for the WNBA . They saw the great players like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper, the great Dawn Staley , and my basketball hero Maya Moore. These are the women that kicked down the door, so I could walk inside. I want to thank them tonight for laying the foundation.”
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This isn’t the first time that Clark has praised “the great” Staley, or vice versa. Shortly after South Carolina defeated Iowa 87-75 in the NCAA Tournament championship game, the Gamecocks head coach thanked the star guard for all she’s given to women’s basketball .
“Personally want to thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport,” Staley began. “She carried a heavy load for our sport... Caitlin Clark if you're out there you're one of the GOATs of our game. We appreciate you.”
Clark was touched by the legendary coach’s words of encouragement, telling reporters: “I think any time somebody like coach Staley is able to recognize you and what you did for the game is pretty special and obviously, she is somebody I respect very much. I respect what she has done for South Carolina, I respect what she did as a player for our game and any time you can get the praise from her is pretty special so it means a lot.”
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Earlier this week, Iowa announced that Clark’s iconic No. 22 jersey would be retired , writing on social media: "There will never be another Caitlin Clark, and there will never be another 22."
In response to receiving the incredible honor, Clark said: "That number holds a lot of weight, far beyond my name. I'm really grateful it'll be a special day when it happens."
The NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader and her teammates were additionally celebrated for all they accomplished this season in a ceremony at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. “I would say you've all inspired me as much as I inspired you,” Clark told the approximately 8,000 fans that were present. “And you allowed me to live out my dream every single day, and for that, I'm very thankful. It's been very special, and this place will always be home to me.”
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