The WNBA and women’s basketball have exploded in popularity in recent years, due in part to Caitlin Clark’s impact. Clark has had a huge impact on the popularity of women’s basketball in recent years. It started during her career at Iowa, breaking out as a superstar because of her elite play, which is driven by her three-point shooting.
Then, when Clark got to the WNBA in 2024, she immediately became one of the best players in the league as a member of the Indiana Fever. However, with all her success, it has led to a huge contingent of people who dislike her. Many fans and other WNBA players do not seem to like her despite the positive impact she has had on the game.
On Monday, Caitlin Clark got support from the first Miss Basketball in Indiana history, Judi Warren. In an appearance on the IBJ podcast, Warren spoke about how other WNBA players should be thanking Clark for the impact she has had on their sport.
“I just can’t understand why some people who are playing in the WNBA don’t bow down to her and thank her constantly and want her to play in every single game and don’t beat up on her, because it’s just money in their pockets if they keep her around for as long as they possibly can,” Judi Warren said. “Because not just young kids like watching her play, but the men have now jumped in, and they’re starting to see how well the women’s game can be played clean.”
Judi Warren, the first Miss Basketball in Indiana history, joins the IBJ Podcast this week to discuss the evolution of women’s basketball, the WNBA and Caitlin Clark.https://t.co/SYLbBC4neS
— IBJ News (@IBJnews) July 14, 2025
Caitlin Clark Continues To Thrive in Her Second WNBA Season
While Caitlin Clark continues to receive criticism from many of her peers, that has not stopped her from being successful in the WNBA. After a stellar rookie season where she earned All WNBA First-Team honors, she has continued her success as a second-year player.
So far this season, she is averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game through her first 13 games. However, she has struggled with injuries throughout the season.
Clark was in the spotlight again on Sunday when her Indiana Fever went up against Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings. The two most recent first overall picks faced off and Clark’s team came out on top, winning 102-83.
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