"How does Serena Williams never win that award?" - Caitlin Clark psyched to be the first woman to clinch ESPY for Best Record-Breaking feat

By Orlando Silva

Modified Jul 13, 2024 01:55 GMT

Caitlin Clark keeps making history in her first season in the WNBA. The Indiana Fever rookie is still getting celebrated for her time in college despite being in the middle of a stellar WNBA season. Ahead of the Indiana Fever's second clash against the Phoenix Mercury, the 22-year-old won the ESPY award for the Best Record-Breaking Performance.

Speaking with reporters, the Iowa Hawkeyes legend shared her surprise about being the first female athlete to bag this award. Clark seemed confused after learning that not even Serena Williams, an all-time great, was unable to win this award during her storied career.

"I think it's super cool. I think it probably shouldn’t have been the first woman to ever win that award, in my eyes. Just because I grew up supporting so many different female athletes that I idolized and I loved. The amount of records I saw people break and win… Like how did Serena Williams never win that award? That’s crazy.

"Hopefully, it’s the start to women getting more recognition and their accomplishments being recognized a little bit more... but for me, it's just something I'm really grateful for," Clark said.

Serena Williams had nothing but great things to say about Clark during the ESPYs ceremony, even likening Clark to one of the best NBA players of all time, Larry Bird, during her opening monologue.

“Caitlin Clark had an amazing year and is nominated for three awards. Caitlin, you are the Larry Bird, in that you are an amazing player, you have ties to Indiana, and white people are really crazy about you,” Serena Williams said.

What did Caitlin Clark say after winning ESPY for Best Record-Breaking Performance?

Caitlin Clark has been very busy during her first WNBA season. The Indiana Fever are currently involved in a battle to try to make it to the playoffs, which explains why she couldn't attend the Los Angeles event on Thursday. That said, her absence didn't stop Clark from sending a message after taking home this award.

“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 said.

Caitlin Clark is basking in glory right now, but she made it clear her main focus is on the Fever and making it a competitive team.