Dawn Staley Praises Caitlin Clark as One of the Greatest to Ever Grace the WNBA After Her Historic Rookie Start

In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, legendary South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley offered high praise for Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, acknowledging the former Iowa superstar’s extraordinary impact in the early stages of her WNBA career. Known for her candid insights and unmatched basketball pedigree, Staley didn’t hesitate to applaud Clark’s historic start and predicted that the sharpshooting guard would cement herself as “one of the best players to ever grace the league.”

It’s not every day that a rookie garners this level of attention and respect from iconic figures in the sport, but then again, Caitlin Clark isn’t an ordinary rookie. Her arrival in the WNBA has been a spectacle, drawing record-breaking television audiences, packing arenas across the country, and sparking basketball debates on a global scale.

For Dawn Staley, a decorated former player, Olympic gold medalist, and the architect behind South Carolina’s basketball dynasty, seeing Clark excel at the professional level comes as no surprise. Staley, who coached against Clark during her illustrious college career at Iowa, witnessed firsthand the generational talent, competitiveness, and charisma that have made Clark a household name.

“Caitlin’s going to go down as one of the best to ever grace the league,” Staley told Sports Illustrated. “You can’t deny what she’s already doing and the impact she’s having—not just with her play, but the attention, the energy, the excitement she brings to every arena.”

Staley’s comments come at a time when Clark is adjusting to the rigor and physicality of professional basketball, yet she continues to deliver impressive performances that validate the hype surrounding her entry into the WNBA. Her deep three-pointers, flashy assists, and fearless play have translated from college to the pros, even as she faces stiffer competition and the league’s most seasoned defenders.

Clark’s transition from the NCAA to the WNBA was one of the most anticipated storylines in women’s sports history. After shattering scoring records at Iowa and leading the Hawkeyes to back-to-back national championship appearances, her decision to forgo her final year of eligibility to enter the WNBA Draft set the stage for unprecedented fanfare. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever, Clark’s arrival has re-energized the franchise and turned Indiana into a must-watch team, regardless of their win-loss record.

But beyond her stat lines, it’s Clark’s marketability and ability to grow the game that has veterans like Staley excited for the future.

“She’s done more for the visibility of women’s basketball than almost anyone in recent memory,” Staley emphasized. “The league needed that jolt, that crossover appeal, and Caitlin’s bringing it.”

Indeed, Clark’s influence extends well beyond the hardwood. Her jersey sales broke records within hours of being drafted, her games consistently draw sellout crowds, and WNBA broadcasts featuring the Fever have seen staggering ratings spikes. For a league seeking greater mainstream attention and investment, Clark’s presence has already proven to be transformative.

Staley also acknowledged that Clark’s journey won’t be without challenges. As is often the case with high-profile rookies, there’s been heightened scrutiny and occasional tension between Clark and more established players. From hard fouls to heated exchanges, Clark has faced her fair share of welcome-to-the-league moments. But Staley believes it’s all part of the process that will ultimately sharpen Clark’s game and mental toughness.

“This league humbles you—it tests you physically, mentally, emotionally,” Staley explained. “But the great ones, they embrace that. They rise above it, and from what I’ve seen, Caitlin’s built for that.”

It’s notable that Staley, whose Gamecocks twice denied Clark an NCAA title in national championship games, has been so quick to extend admiration to a former on-court rival. Their battles were among the most watched in recent women’s college basketball history, pitting South Carolina’s size, defense, and depth against Clark’s perimeter brilliance and limitless range.

Yet for Staley, once the competition ends, respect is what remains.

“Between those lines, you compete with everything you’ve got,” Staley said. “But when the final buzzer sounds, you recognize greatness. Caitlin is great—and she’s only getting started.”

Staley’s endorsement carries significant weight in the women’s basketball community. Her resume speaks for itself: three Olympic gold medals, multiple Final Four appearances, a national championship as head coach, and countless players she’s mentored into WNBA stars. Her perspective is grounded in decades of experience at every level of the sport.

Many analysts have drawn parallels between Clark’s early career and other generational figures in women’s basketball, from Diana Taurasi to Sue Bird to Maya Moore. What sets Clark apart, however, is her timing. She has entered the league during a pivotal moment, when increased media exposure, growing corporate sponsorships, and evolving fan expectations have converged to create unprecedented momentum for women’s basketball.

Staley is optimistic that Clark’s success will have ripple effects for years to come.

“You see young girls watching her and believing that they can dream bigger, play bolder,” Staley noted. “You see little boys rocking her jersey. You see families who’ve never watched women’s basketball tuning in because of her. That’s powerful.”

Clark herself has embraced the responsibility, often speaking about the importance of growing the women’s game and using her platform to inspire future generations. Despite the fame and criticism that come with her position, Clark’s focus remains on her development, her teammates, and contributing to the Fever’s long-term success.

As her rookie season unfolds, expectations will continue to rise, and every performance will be dissected by fans and pundits alike. But with endorsements like Staley’s, there’s no denying that Clark’s legacy is already taking shape.

Staley concluded the interview with a message that perfectly encapsulates her respect for Clark and her understanding of the WNBA’s evolution.

“The league is in good hands,” Staley declared. “Caitlin’s the real deal, and she’s going to help take this game to new heights. I can’t wait to see what she does next.”

For basketball enthusiasts, especially those who have followed the growth of the women’s game, hearing Dawn Staley—a living legend herself—acknowledge Caitlin Clark’s potential is both a validation and a signal of the bright future ahead.

As Clark continues her WNBA journey, it’s clear she carries not only the hopes of Indiana Fever fans but also the expectations of a sport poised to break barriers. With Staley’s public support and a growing global audience behind her, Caitlin Clark is well on her way to becoming one of the greatest to ever grace the league, just as the Gamecocks’ legendary coach predicted.