Caitlin Clark had a night to remember at the ESPY Awards on Thursday.
The Fever rookie, who was not at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, made a virtual appearance at the show while she was in Indianapolis preparing for a Friday night matchup with the Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Clark, 22, won the ESPY Award for Best Record-Breaking Performance — when she became the NCAA’s Division 1 all-time scoring leader, breaking Pete Maravich’s record, during her senior year at Iowa — and Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports.
Aces star A’ja Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP and reigning back-to-back champion with Las Vegas, beat out Clark, tennis sensation Coco Gauff and pro golfer Nelly Korda for the award for Best Athlete, Women’s Sports.
“I just wanted to say thank you for this recognition. Obviously, I could not be there tonight,” Clark said in a video message. “I’m a little bit busy in Indianapolis. This award means a lot not only to myself but to my teammates and coaches that I had at the University of Iowa. It’s special for all of us and it was a special year in women’s athletics. Thank you, ESPN.
“I just want to give a shout-out to all the nominees and award winners tonight. I’m sad I couldn’t be there but I hope you all have an amazing night.”
Clark is the frontrunner for WNBA Rookie of the Year, ahead of Sky phenom Angel Reese, who’s averaging a double-double.
The college rivals — Reese and LSU defeated Clark’s Hawkeyes in the 2023 NCAA National Championship game — were the only two rookies named to the 2024 WNBA All-Star team.
Wilson also missed this year’s ESPY Awards due to the WNBA schedule, as the Aces face the Dream in Atlanta on Friday.
“I could not miss an opportunity just to say thank you to all my fans out there,” the former South Carolina star said in a video message. “I wouldn’t be the player I am today without you guys’ support. It does not go unnoticed. It’s great to think that a young girl that didn’t even want to play basketball … won an ESPY, which is truly, truly special to my heart.”
It came after Wilson and Celtics champion Jayson Tatum were unveiled as the cover stars of the latest edition of NBA 2K on Wednesday.
Wilson will face Clark and Reese in the WNBA All-Star game, which will tip off in Phoenix on July 20.
Wilson will represent Team USA, which includes the WNBA stars competing at the Paris Olympics, and Clark and Reese will become first-time teammates on Team WNBA.
The All-Star game format is a send off to the WNBA stars competing at the Summer Games.
Clark also made headlines when she did not make the 12-player Olympic roster.
The WNBA All-Star game will air on ABC, and ESPN will air a skills challenge and a 3-point contest on July 19 at 6 p.m.
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