Caitlin Clark has made history by securing consecutive James E. Sullivan Awards, marking the first occurrence of such an achievement in the 94-year span of the accolade. This success follows closely after her recent distinction as the top overall pick in the WNBA draft.
The standout basketball player from Iowa was declared the recipient of the award on Tuesday evening. The James E. Sullivan Award is bestowed upon the most exceptional athlete at the collegiate or Olympic level within the United States.
Under the representation of her high school coach, Kristin Meyer, Caitlin Clark was honored as the Indiana Fever’s point guard during the ceremony held at the New York Athletic Club. Delivering her acceptance remarks via Zoom, Clark’s selection came after her instrumental role in leading Iowa to the NCAA Final Four for the second consecutive year.
The determination of the award’s recipient involved input from the public, the AAU Sullivan Award committee, the AAU board of directors, sports journalists, and past honorees.
Among the notable contenders were Olympic wrestler David Taylor, Olympic speed skater Emery Lehman, gymnast Frederick Richard, Texas volleyball player Madisen Skinner, and Paralympic swimmer Noah Jaffe.
Caitlin Clark’s award win comes after she was selected as the first pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft
The 21-year-old was selected by the Fever after leading Iowa to another Final Four appearance
Caitlin Clark is practicing with the @IndianaFever so she was unable to attend the AAU James E. Sullivan Award ceremony where she became the first two-time winner in the award’s 94-year history.
Accepting the award for Caitlin was her Dowling Catholic coach, Kristin Meyer.
The award also honors leadership, citizenship, character and sportsmanship on and off the playing field.
‘The AAU Sullivan Award is an incredible honor,’ Clark said via Zoom.
‘I have been inspired by so many athletes that came before me and I hope I can be that same inspiration for the next generation to follow their dreams.’
She’s been the main driver for the dramatic uptick in women’s basketball interest with her mix of deep 3-point shots, flashy thread-the-needle passes and overall court presence.
A women’s basketball-record 18.9 million viewers watched Iowa’s loss to South Carolina in the NCAA title game, and a WNBA-record 2.45 million watched the draft.
