How Caitlin Clark Dominated College Basketball and Earned Three ESPY Nominations

Hey everyone! The 2024 ESPY Awards are almost here, and itโ€™s super exciting because Caitlin Clark, the amazing basketball star, is leading the nominations list with three nods.

Sheโ€™s known for her incredible skills and breaking records.

Letโ€™s dive into why sheโ€™s the talk of the town!

Caitlin Clarkโ€™s Highlights and ESPY Nominations

CategoryDetails
ESPY NominationsBest Athlete in Womenโ€™s Sports, Best College Athlete, Womenโ€™s Sports, Record-Breaking Performance
Top CompetitorsCoco Gauff, Nelly Korda, Aโ€™ja Wilson
ESPY CeremonyDate: July 11, 2024, Location: Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles, Host: Serena Williams
Notable Awards WonNaismith Player of the Year, Wooden Award, AP Player of the Year
Career StatsPoints: 3,951 (NCAA record), PPG: 28.4 (NCAA record), 3-Pointers: 548 (NCAA record)
WNBA ContractTotal: $338,056 over 4 years, Annual: $84,514
College StatsPPG: 28.4, APG: 8.2, RPG: 7.1, 3-Pointers: 548
Career EarningsWNBA Contract, NIL Deals: $3.4M, Potential Bonuses
Olympic ParticipationNot expected in 2024, potential for 2028
WNBA RecordsFastest to 200 Points, 75 Assists, 75 Rebounds; First Rookie with 20 Points, 9 Assists, 8 Rebounds in a Game
RelationshipDating Connor McCaffery since April 2023

Who Leads the 2024 ESPY Awards Nominations List?

Caitlin Clark is at the top of the 2024 ESPY Awards nominations list with three big nominations:

  • Best Athlete in Womenโ€™s Sports
  • Best College Athlete, Womenโ€™s Sports
  • Record-Breaking Performanceย (for breaking the NCAA scoring record)

Clark has been dominating basketball. She shattered the NCAA scoring record and was the top pick in the WNBA draft.

In theย Best Athlete in Womenโ€™s Sportsย category, sheโ€™s up against some tough competitors like Coco Gauff (tennis), Nelly Korda (golf), and Aโ€™ja Wilson (WNBA).

โ€œCaitlin has redefined what it means to be a superstar in college basketball,โ€ said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. โ€œHer relentless drive and incredible talent have set a new benchmark for athletes everywhere.โ€ย โ€”ย ESPN

While Caitlin is leading with the most nominations, other athletes like Patrick Mahomes and Shohei Ohtani also got multiple nominations in theย Best Athlete in Menโ€™s Sportsย and their specific sports categories.

Which Basketball Star Has Received Three 2024 ESPY Nominations?

Thatโ€™s right! Itโ€™s Caitlin Clark. Sheโ€™s got three nominations for the 2024 ESPY Awards:

  • Best Athlete in Womenโ€™s Sports
  • Best College Athlete, Womenโ€™s Sports
  • Record-Breaking Performanceย (for breaking the NCAA scoring record)

Her amazing skills and record-setting achievements have made her a top figure in womenโ€™s sports.

When and Where Will the Winners of the 2024 ESPY Awards Be Announced?

Mark your calendars! The winners of the 2024 ESPY Awards will be announced on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

The event will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Dolby Theatre in downtown Hollywoodโ€™s Ovation complex, Los Angeles.

The show will be hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams and televised on ABC.

This will be the 32nd annual ESPY Awards, celebrating the best in sports over the past year.

โ€œThe ESPYs are always a celebration of the best in sports, and this year, having someone like Caitlin Clark lead the nominations makes it even more special,โ€ remarked Serena Williams, who will be hosting the event. โ€œHer journey is inspiring to so many young athletes.โ€ย โ€”ย Sports Illustrated

Also Read: Angel Reese: 10 Key Highlights of Her Basketball Journey and Off-Court Success

What Awards Has Caitlin Clark Won?

Caitlin Clark has won so many awards during her basketball career. Here are some of the most notable ones:

  • Naismith Womenโ€™s College Player of the Year
  • Wooden Award National Player of the Year
  • Associated Press Womenโ€™s College Basketball Player of the Year
  • Wade Trophy Recipient (2023)
  • Ann Meyers Drysdale Award
  • Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year
  • Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year
  • Honda Cup, Womenโ€™s Basketball Player of the Year
  • Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year
  • ESPYS Best College Athlete, Womenโ€™s Sports
  • Unanimous First Team All-American by the Associated Press
  • 2022-23 Academic All-Americaยฎ of the Year
  • 2022-23 Big Ten Player of the Year
  • Dawn Staley Award Winner (Nationโ€™s Best All-Around Guard) โ€“ First 2x Winner
  • James E. Sullivan Award (2023 and 2024)

Plus, sheโ€™s nominated for three 2024 ESPY Awards:

  • Best Athlete in Womenโ€™s Sports
  • Best College Athlete, Womenโ€™s Sports
  • Record-Breaking Performance

These awards show how amazing Clark is at basketball and how much sheโ€™s impacted the sport.

What Are Caitlin Clarkโ€™s Career Stats?

Caitlin Clarkโ€™s career stats are just incredible. Here are some of her key stats:

  • Points: 3,951 points in her college career (NCAA record)
  • Points Per Game: 28.4 points per game (NCAA record)
  • 3-Pointers: 548 career 3-pointers (NCAA record)
  • NCAA Tournament Points: 480 points (all-time record)
  • Season Points: 1,234 points in one season (one of only seven 1,000-point seasons in Division I womenโ€™s history)
  • Field Goals Made: 1,293 career field goals (NCAA record)
  • Assists: Over 1,000 career assists (all-time conference record)
  • Rebounds: Over 950 career rebounds
  • Double-Doubles: 66 career double-doubles (third all-time in the Big Ten)
  • Triple-Doubles: 17 career triple-doubles (tied with Sabrina Ionescu for the most in NCAA womenโ€™s basketball history)

โ€œIโ€™ve never seen anyone dominate the game like Caitlin does,โ€ said Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder. โ€œHer ability to score, assist, and lead her team is unparalleled.โ€ย โ€”ย The Athletic

These stats show just how versatile and dominant she is on the court.

What Are the Details of Caitlin Clarkโ€™s WNBA Contract?

Caitlin Clarkโ€™s WNBA contract with the Indiana Fever is pretty sweet:

  • Total value: $338,056 over four years
  • Average annual salary: $84,514
  • Year-by-year breakdown:
    • 2024: $76,535
    • 2025: $78,066
    • 2026: $85,873
    • 2027: $97,582 (fourth-year option)

Her contract follows the WNBAโ€™s Collective Bargaining Agreement for rookie contracts.

As the No. 1 overall pick, her contract value matches the next three picks in the draft.

The first three years are unprotected, with the fourth year being a club option. Sheโ€™ll become a restricted free agent in 2028.

Even though her WNBA salary is good, sheโ€™ll likely earn a lot more through endorsements and sponsorship deals.

What Are Caitlin Clarkโ€™s College Stats?

Caitlin Clarkโ€™s college stats at the University of Iowa are amazing and record-breaking. Here are the highlights from her four seasons:

Season-by-Season Stats

SeasonGamesPoints Per GameMinutes Per GameFG%3P%FT%Rebounds Per GameAssists Per GameSteals Per GameBlocks Per Game
2020-213026.634.047.240.685.85.97.01.30.5
2021-223227.035.945.233.288.18.08.01.50.6
2022-233827.834.447.338.983.97.18.61.50.5
2023-243931.634.845.537.886.07.48.91.80.5

Career Averages

  • Points Per Game: 28.4 (NCAA record)
  • Assists Per Game: 8.2
  • Rebounds Per Game: 7.1
  • Field Goal Percentage: 46.3%
  • 3-Point Percentage: 37.6%
  • Free Throw Percentage: 86.0%

Career Totals

  • Total Points: 3,951 (NCAA record)
  • Total Assists: 1,144
  • Total Rebounds: 950+
  • Total 3-Pointers Made: 548 (NCAA record)
  • Total Triple-Doubles: 17 (tied for most in NCAA womenโ€™s basketball history)

Notable Records and Achievements

  • Most Points in a Season: 1,234 (2023-24 season)
  • Most 3-Pointers in a Season: 201 (2023-24 season)
  • Most Points in NCAA Tournament History: 491
  • Most Assists in NCAA Tournament History: 152
  • Most 3-Pointers in NCAA Tournament History: 78
  • First Player in Division I History with Consecutive 1,000-Point Seasons
  • Most Career Double-Doubles in Big Ten History: 66
  • Most Big Ten Player of the Week Awards: 29

Caitlin Clarkโ€™s college career is filled with scoring, playmaking, and many records, making her one of the best players in NCAA womenโ€™s basketball history.

What Are Caitlin Clarkโ€™s Career Earnings?

Caitlin Clarkโ€™s career earnings are pretty impressive, mostly from endorsements and sponsorships. Hereโ€™s a quick look:

WNBA Contract

  • Total value: $338,056 over four years
    • 2024: $76,535
    • 2025: $78,066
    • 2026: $85,873
    • 2027: $97,582 (fourth-year option)

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Deals

  • Estimated value: $3.4 million
    • Partnerships with big brands like State Farm, Nike, Gatorade, and Buick

Potential Bonuses

  • $5,150 bonus if named WNBA Rookie of the Year
  • $2,575 bonus for making it to the All-Star game

Potential Offer

  • The Big3 League reportedly offered Clark $5 million, but itโ€™s unclear if she accepted or if it fits with her WNBA contract

Clarkโ€™s NIL deals during college make up most of her earnings now. Her WNBA salary is good, but her endorsements and sponsorships are even better.

As she moves to professional basketball, her earning potential will likely keep growing.

Is Caitlin Clark Going to the Olympics in 2024?

Based on the latest info, Caitlin Clark isnโ€™t expected to be part of the U.S. womenโ€™s basketball team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hereโ€™s what we know:

  • Clark was left off the final 12-player roster for the Olympic team.
  • The roster favored more experienced players, with the youngest being 26 years old.
  • Clark missed the final training camp for the 2024 Olympics because she was in the NCAA Final Four, limiting her chances to be evaluated.
  • Casey Wasserman, president of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, called the decision a โ€œmissed opportunity.โ€
  • There was talk about Clark joining the 3ร—3 Olympic basketball team due to injuries, but it seems unlikely now.

Even though Clark wonโ€™t be in the 2024 Olympics, thereโ€™s hope for her to be part of future Olympic teams, especially for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

This decision has sparked some debate about the Olympic team selection process, given Clarkโ€™s popularity and recent performances.

What Records Has Caitlin Clark Broken in the WNBA?

Caitlin Clark has already made a huge impact in her rookie season in the WNBA, breaking several records. Here are some of the big ones:

  • Fastest to 200 Points, 75 Assists, and 75 Rebounds: Clark became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach these milestones.
  • First Rookie with 20 Points, 9 Assists, and 8 Rebounds in a Game: She did this in a game against the Chicago Sky, a first for a rookie.
  • Most 20/5/5 Games by a Rookie: Clark has had five games with at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, the most in the WNBA this year and the second most by a rookie in WNBA history, behind Tamika Catchings.
  • 40 3-Pointers in First 15 Games: Clark is one of only four players to make 40 three-pointers in their first 15 games as a rookie.
  • WNBA TV Viewership Record: Clark and the Indiana Fever broke the WNBA TV viewership record for a single matchup.

These records show how exceptional Clarkโ€™s performance is and how sheโ€™s continuing her trend of breaking records from her college career.

What Is Known About Caitlin Clarkโ€™s Relationship Status?

Based on the latest information, here are the key details about Caitlin Clarkโ€™s relationship status:

  • Caitlin Clark is dating Connor McCaffery.
  • They started dating in April 2023.
  • The couple made their relationship public in August 2023 when Clark posted photos of them together on Instagram with the caption โ€œBest end to summerโ€ and a heart emoji.
  • Connor McCaffery is a former Iowa basketball player who spent six seasons with the Hawkeyes before graduating in 2023.
  • McCaffery is currently working as a team assistant for the NBAโ€™s Indiana Pacers, aiming for a coaching career.
  • They recently celebrated their one-year anniversary on April 24, 2024, with sweet tributes on social media.
  • Throughout Clarkโ€™s record-breaking college season and WNBA draft, McCaffery has been very supportive, often celebrating her achievements on social media.
  • McCaffery has been there at big events in Clarkโ€™s career, including her record-breaking game and the WNBA draft.
  • Both Clark and McCaffery attended the University of Iowa, where McCafferyโ€™s dad, Fran McCaffery, is the head basketball coach.

Their relationship seems strong, with both showing lots of love and support for each other as they chase their basketball dreams.

To Conclude

Caitlin Clarkโ€™s amazing journey in basketball keeps everyone watching. Her three nominations for the 2024 ESPY Awards prove how great she is and how much sheโ€™s impacted the sport.

As the awards ceremony gets closer, weโ€™ll all be watching to see if she wins more awards.

Whether sheโ€™s breaking records on the court or making headlines off it, Caitlin Clarkโ€™s star keeps shining brightly.

FAQs:

Who are the other nominees for Best Athlete, Womenโ€™s Sports?

  • Coco Gauff
  • Nelly Korda
  • Aโ€™ja Wilson

Who are the Best WNBA Player nominees?

  • Napheesa Collier
  • Breanna Stewart
  • Alyssa Thomas
  • Aโ€™ja Wilson

Who will host the 2024 ESPY Awards?

Serena Williams

When and where will the 2024 ESPY Awards take place?

July 11 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles

On which network and at what time will the 2024 ESPY Awards air live?

ABC at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT

Also Read:

Top Reasons Caitlin Clark Didnโ€™t Make Team USA and Her Impressive Journey in Basketball

Can Cameron Brink Lead the Los Angeles Sparks to WNBA Glory? Discover Her Stunning Performance!

Rafael Antonio is a dedicated sports journalist at Viz Times with over four years of experience. His journey into the world of sports began at age ten when Tiger Woods won the 2006 PGA Tournament, sparking his passion for golf. With a Master's degree in Journalism, Rafael excels in analyzing and reporting on sports. He covers the NFL, MLB, NHL, WNBA, NASCAR, MMA, and more. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and reading.

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