INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — When Caitlin Clark found out she hadn’t been selected to play for the U.S. Summer Olympics team, she had a simple reaction.
“She said, ‘Coach, they woke up a monster,'” Indiana Fever coach Christy Sides said. “I thought it was awesome.”
Clark got the call while on the team bus Friday night. Fresh off the best night of his career in a win over the Mystics, the news was more motivational than disheartening.
“I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way, whether I stay or not,” Clark said. “I just think it gives you something to work for. That’s the dream. Hopefully I’ll be there one day. I think it just gives you a little bit more motivation. Remember, four years from now, four years from now, I hope I’ll be there.”
“She’s one of the most competitive people I know,” Sides said, “but she’s a hard worker and she’s going to continue to work hard. This just gives her an opportunity to get in the gym and work harder.”
The WNBA’s month-long Olympic break will be Clark’s first break since starting her senior season at the University of Iowa last year.
“It’s really awesome,” Clark said with a big smile. “I mean, I’ve loved every second of competing, but it’s going to be a great month for my body, first of all, to just rest and get healthy and get a little bit of peace and quiet for myself away from basketball and all the craziness that’s been going on.”
“Plus, it’s a great opportunity for us to practice and get better,” Clark continued. “For me, it’s a great opportunity to get in the weight room, get on the court and get better at the things I want to get better at that I didn’t have time to get better at going from college to the pro season, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Clark will also be keeping an eye on the U.S. team.
“We all know how talented that team is,” Clark said. “You look at that roster. A lot of the guys that have already had the opportunity to play in this league are just good. I know they’re going to go out there and dominate. I’m going to be watching them and rooting for them, so I’m excited.”
There’s Olympic excitement all around Indianapolis, with Team USA swimming trials taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium, but for Clark, the Eiffel Tower under construction on Georgia Street will be the closest Clark will get to Paris this year.
