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USA Today via Reuters
May 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball down court, Thursday, May 16, 2024, during the Indiana Fever home opener game against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-05-17T014010Z_1564100649_MT1USATODAY23294335_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-NEW-YORK-LIBERTY-AT-INDIANA-FEVER-1.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
May 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball down court, Thursday, May 16, 2024, during the Indiana Fever home opener game against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Sports
The WNBA audience was in for a shock when emerging star Caitlin Clark was left out of USA’s Olympics squad this week. While many could not digest the fact, some agreed with the selection claiming Clark is yet to earn her stripes. For all it’s due, the issue has got somewhat out of hand with soccer icon Alexi Lalas addressing the issue on the latest episode of his podcast.
The former USMNT legend commented on the drama during this week’s State of the Union podcast. Lalas stated, “When I think about what’s happening with Caitlin Clark. It blows my mind. You have this golden goose. But so many people right now are trying to kill it. Which is insane.”
He continued, “My point is, it is really an interesting position to be on the other side. But if I can give any advice to the Women’s basketball side, it will be to make the most out of the situation before it fleets away. We have seen the same happen in soccer with the likes of David Beckham and Mia Hamm.”
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David Beckham’s popularity had a massive effect on soccer in the United States. Fans were keen to see the player in action, boosting revenue and ticket sales. Similarly, Mia Hamm’s growth in popularity was one of the big factors behind the blossoming of Women’s soccer in the country. It seems like Lalas wants the Basketball community to do the same with Clark regardless of her experience.
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While Lalas has his views on the matter, many in the WNBA community consider Clark still needs to prove herself over an extended spell. The US Women’s Basketball team has a reputation for prioritizing experienced players, and Caitlin Clark is just one of many emerging stars who have been overlooked during the Olympic season.
Caitlin Clark comments on her Olympics snub
The Indiana Fever star has been on top of her game this season. However, her efforts have been in vain with the US Women’s Basketball selection committee moving past her for the Olympics. While many would have their dreams shattered, Caitlin Clark isn’t allowing the setback to hold her down. Clark addressed her snub while talking to the media, noting that she is rooting for the girls who made it into the team.
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Clark stated, “I’m excited for the girls that are on the team. I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way — me being on the team or me not being on the team. I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold, and I was a kid who grew up watching the Olympics, so it will be fun to watch them.”
The Indiana Fever phenomenon then added the snub did not disappoint her and would give her best to make her dream come true. Clark is just 22 and, as of now, the sky is the ceiling for the supernova!