Caitlin Clark, a star player for the Iowa women’s basketball team, was selected to participate in Team USA’s training camp roster in Cleveland on April 3-5. She will join the camp, pending Iowa’s progression in the women’s NCAA Tournament. Clark has previously earned three gold medals with USA Basketball junior national teams, most recently with the 2021 USA Women’s U19 National Team. At 22 years old, Clark is the only current collegiate player on the roster and is expected to be the top pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft. She holds the NCAA women’s single-season points record with 1,113 points and is the leading scorer in NCAA basketball history with 3,830 points.
Clark’s success has been a major draw for fans, as the Hawkeyes set viewership records on multiple networks and streaming platforms this season. Iowa’s NCAA Tournament games were among the most watched for a non-Final Four in the history of the sport, with their win against West Virginia bringing in 5.4 million viewers. Clark’s impact extends beyond the court, as she has captured the attention of basketball fans across the country. She was unanimously named the National Player of the Year by The Athletic, leading the country in points and assists per game.
The Team USA training camp roster includes nine Olympians, such as five-time Olympic champion Diana Taurasi and other top players like Brittney Griner and Breanna Stewart. The women’s Olympic basketball tournament is scheduled to begin on July 28 and will conclude on August 11, with Team USA aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. Their first game is set against Japan on July 29, as they prepare to defend their title against tough competition.
With Clark’s presence on the training camp roster, there is heightened excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Olympic tournament. As a standout player with a strong track record of success, she is expected to make a significant impact on the team and contribute to their goal of securing another gold medal. The prestige and history of the Team USA women’s basketball program adds to the anticipation surrounding their performance in the upcoming tournament.
As the focus shifts to the training camp and preparations for the Olympic tournament, Clark’s inclusion on the roster adds a new dimension of excitement for fans and supporters of women’s basketball. Her talent and potential as a top draft pick in the WNBA further solidify her status as a player to watch, both in the college ranks and on the international stage. With the support of her teammates and coaching staff, Clark is poised to make a strong impression at the camp and contribute to Team USA’s pursuit of Olympic gold.
