Reports indicate that Caitlin Clark, a standout player for the Indiana Fever, has allegedly not been selected for Team USA’s women’s basketball squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Nevertheless, this setback appears to have fueled her determination even more.

According to statements made by Fever head coach Christie Sides to the press on Sunday, Clark expressed to her, “Hey coach, they woke a monster.”

Clark’s determination was evident on Friday night as she delivered an impressive performance, scoring 30 points in 39 minutes against the Washington Mystics. Notably, she tied a rookie record with seven 3-pointers during the game, contributing to the Fever’s 85-83 victory.

With an average of 16.8 points per game, Clark leads all WNBA rookies in scoring. However, despite her standout performances, the Fever’s overall record stands at 3-9, and they are yet to secure consecutive wins this season.

Clark shared her thoughts with reporters on Sunday following the announcement of the roster.

“I’m genuinely excited for the players who made the team,” she stated. “I understand it’s the pinnacle of competitiveness, and I recognized that the selection could have swung either way ”“ whether I made it or not. I’m genuinely happy for them. I’ll be cheering them on as they aim for gold.”

Clark further expressed her sentiments, emphasizing that she didn’t harbor any disappointment despite what some analysts and fans perceive as a snub.

“I view it as something to strive for. Making it to the Olympics is a dream, and hopefully, someday I’ll achieve that. It’s just added motivation for me,” she remarked.

During the current season, the WNBA will observe a three-week hiatus for the Olympics, providing players like Clark with a well-deserved break after months of rigorous competition spanning both collegiate and professional levels. While she anticipates enjoying this time off, Clark also sees it as an opportunity for herself and her team to focus on improvement as they head into the final months of her rookie season.

In the current season spanning 12 games, Clark boasts impressive averages of 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Notably, while she doesn’t lead the Fever in rebounds this season, she tops the team in points and assists, making her a standout performer among rookies in the league.

Clark’s scoring average of 16.8 points per game ranks 13th in the WNBA, showcasing her offensive prowess. However, it’s noteworthy that she leads the league with 5.6 turnovers per game, indicating an area where she can still refine her game.