WNBA rookie star Caitlin Clark has opened up on taking up a new career during her basketball offseason.
The Indiana Fever guard won the WNBA‘s Rookie of the Year award, but her accomplishment did come with controversy which concerned herself and rival Angel Reese.
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark passes the ball during a 2024 WNBA Playoffs game against the Connecticut Sun on September 25[/caption]
Clark plays a shot during the pro-am before the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in July 2023[/caption]
Clark has chosen to take her talents to the greens and will play in the LPGA Tour golf event in November.
The 22-year-old will play in the pro-am event, hosted by Swedish icon Annika Sorenstam, which will take place between November 13 and 17 at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.
The event will feature 120 players who will compete for a share of a huge $3.25 million purse – one of the biggest prize pools on the entire LGPA Tour.
The Iowa Hawkeyes product Clark spoke about her participation in the event.
“I love golf so the opportunity to play in the Pro-Am for a tournament with a legend like Annika Sorenstam’s name on it is so exciting,” she said:
“I’m looking forward to seeing all the LPGA players on the driving range, being part of the Women’s Leadership Summit, and, of course, teeing it up in the pro-am with Annika.”
Clark being part of the golf event comes after she was named the WNBA’s best rookie and won 66 of the 67 total votes – with only one vote for Chicago Sky’s Reese preventing a unanimous win.
The pair have a rivalry that dates back to their college days.
Analysts and fans took issue with Clark not receiving all 67 total votes in the award due to her superior season.
Clark averaged 19.2 points per game compared to Reese’s 13.6.
She also led Reese in assists per game with 8.4 to 1.9.
Reese was the better rebounder, averaging 13.1 per game to 5.7.
Clark’s season ended after her Fever lost to the Connecticut Sun in the playoffs last month, while Reese suffered a season-ending injury in early September.
After receiving the award, Clark spoke about her experience in her rookie campaign.
Clark and Angel Reese look on during a WNBA game on June 1[/caption]
“Year one (check emoji) – thank you to the many people who have supported me as I’ve been able to live my childhood dream,” the NCAA all-time leading scorer wrote on X.
“I’m filled with gratitude as I reflect on this past year of my life.
“See you all in year two.”
Clark’s WNBA career comes after playing four years with the Hawkeyes.
She won back-to-back Player of the Year awards and helped the NCAA squad make the national title game in back-to-back years.
