Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Performance Could Earn Her a Spot on U.S. Olympic Team

Caitlin Clark, the rookie sensation of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, is setting her sights on a spot on the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games in 2024. With the roster not set to be determined until June 1, Clark will use her early play in the WNBA as a tryout to showcase her skills to the selection committee.

Despite missing out on the opportunity to attend the US training camp due to her commitments with Iowa during the Final Four, Clark remains determined to prove herself worthy of a spot on the Olympic squad. Selection committee chair Jennifer Rizzotti emphasized the importance of introducing new players into the pool while maintaining a balance of talent, positional fit, loyalty, and experience.

With a talented group of guards already in the mix, including veterans like Diana Taurasi and Chelsea Gray, Clark faces tough competition for a spot on the team. However, her impressive track record on junior USA teams, winning gold medals at various FIBA tournaments, showcases her potential to make an impact on the international stage.

As Clark prepares to kick off her WNBA career with the Connecticut Sun on May 14, all eyes will be on the No. 1 draft pick to see if she can follow in the footsteps of WNBA rookie Breanna Stewart, who made the Olympic team in 2016. With her sights set on the 5-on-5 team rather than the 3×3 squad, Clark is determined to fulfill her dream of representing her country on the biggest stage in women’s basketball.