We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

English Woman's Journal - Clark pleased after first WNBA training camp practice session

Clark pleased after first WNBA training camp practice session

SPORTS 28.04.2024
Clark pleased after first WNBA training camp practice session
Clark pleased after first WNBA training camp practice session / Photo: ANDY LYONS - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the top pick of the WNBA Draft after a record-shattering college career, said she was pleased Sunday after her first WNBA training camp practice session.

Change text size:

"It was a good first day," Clark said on Sunday. "It was hard. But that's what you expect from these practices. Just fun to get out there with all the girls."

The 22-year-old American phenomenon, who set a US college scoring record for men or women, is a 3-point sharpshooter who received global acclaim as she led the University of Iowa into the past two US college finals, the Hawkeyes falling short of the crown each time.

Clark, taken first in the WNBA Draft on April 15, said during the season she was leaving for the WNBA ranks and her devoted fan base is expected to boost ratings and attendance for the US women's league when the 2024 season starts next month.

"It's a new chapter and that's what I was ready for," Clark said. "I got a few workouts under my belt (before Sunday). That definitely helps so I'm not coming into training camp completely blind."

The Fever haven't reached the WNBA playoffs since 2016, haven't won a playoff series or had a winning season since 2015 and won their only championship in 2012.

"Our goal is the playoffs," Fever coach Christie Sides said.

Clark says she is excited for the pressure of the WNBA, which begins with a pre-season contest Friday at Dallas.

"It's definitely different but that's what you expect when you start a new chapter of your life," Clark said.

"This coaching staff is fully prepared. They've been watching me for quite some time and the stuff they have planned and the actions we're going to run are going to be really good for myself, really good for this group in general. A lot of screening action.

"It's fast, a fast shot clock, but it fits my game well."

Getting back on court for the two-hour team workout session enabled Clark to set aside a whirlwind past few weeks as her popularity exploded during a college post-season run last month.

"I think that’s what I was most excited for –- get all that other stuff out of the way," Clark said. "There really hasn't been a down period for me to catch my breath.

"I feel like I'm in really good basketball shape. There's no getting back in shape for myself. I've been playing basketball. There has not really been an off period. For me, I feel like that's a really good thing. You just keep the momentum rolling and keep being myself and keep learning."

L.Scott--EWJ

Featured

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Change text size: