Caitlin Clark’s rookie year just got even more memorable. The Iowa alumna now has another major accolade to her name: Time magazine’s 2024 Athlete of the Year. The honor was unveiled on Tuesday during NBC’s Today show, alongside a feature article in the magazine. Clark acknowledges her impact. “I’ve been able to captivate so many people that have never watched women’s sports,” she admitted. But the 22-year-old also acknowledges the privilege behind it, making clear where the focus should lie — the real backbone.

The Fever’s #22 recently sat down for a feature interview with TIME, where she acknowledged one privilege that contributed to her rise to fame and also discussed the undeniable impact of Black players on the league. 

“I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” Clark told TIME. While the WNBA is predominantly made up of Black players, Clark’s stardom has often been linked to her race—a reality she openly acknowledged.

She also added, “A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them. The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important. I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing.” 

The WNBA is comprised of approximately 70% Black players, including Clark’s own teammates, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. Moreover, just a year before Clark’s arrival, Boston was the Fever’s No. 1 draft pick and went on to win ROTY. However, her status didn’t garner the same level of attention and spotlight that Clark is currently enjoying.

The reigning MVP A’ja Wilson has previously shared her thoughts on Clark’s rapid rise, pointing out the disparities faced by Black women in similar situations.“I think a lot of people may say it’s not about Black and White, but to me, it is,” she remarked earlier. “[Y]ou can be top notch at what you are as a Black woman, but … [t]hey don’t see it as marketable.” She admitted that hearing people dismiss the role of race in Clark’s prominence “boils [her] blood.”

Well, acknowledging her race as an advantage and giving credit to Black players, Clark’s humility remains evident, showing that stardom hasn’t gone to her head. The revelation comes as the 22-year-old received Time’s honor of the year.

Caitlin Clark: From rookie sensation to Time’s 2024 Athlete of the Year

Clark’s transition from college basketball to the WNBA was nothing short of remarkable. With barely a breather between seasons, she didn’t just keep up—she thrived, making waves as one of the league’s brightest young stars.

In her rookie campaign, set a rookie record for the most three-pointers made in a single season and shattered WNBA records for both single-game and season-long assists. But her impact wasn’t just about stats—it was felt in the stands, too. As Clark dazzled on the court, league-wide attendance soared by an incredible 48% compared to the previous year, reaching its highest point in over two decades.

The Fever, with Clark leading the charge, broke the WNBA record for home attendance. Their regular-season finale against the Washington Mystics was a spectacle, drawing a staggering 20,711 fans—the largest crowd ever for a WNBA game. In her TIME’s interview, Caitlin Clark clearly expressed her deep respect for Black players’ contributions to the league and took pride in the role she’s played in its remarkable growth. But she is also optimistic about the support sticking.

“These people aren’t supporting women’s sports to check a box. It’s going to be the new normal,” she says. Clark brought the eyes, the players kept them hooked, and now the WNBA’s growth remains undeniable.