Clark’s nominations follow a historic final year at Iowa, where she shattered records and showcased her unparalleled talent. She became the all-time NCAA Division I scoring leader, breaking Pete Maravich’s long-standing record. Additionally, Clark set Iowa’s single-game scoring record and won both the Wooden Award and Sullivan Award for the second consecutive year. Her stellar performance also led the Hawkeyes to their second straight National Championship appearance.
Since being selected as the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark has continued her impressive trajectory. She was named WNBA Rookie of the Month for May and is nearly leading the WNBA All-Star fan vote, trailing only Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson. This rapid transition from collegiate to professional success underscores her exceptional skill and determination.
Clark stands out among this year’s ESPY nominees, which include elite athletes such as Simone Biles, Jaylen Brown, Coco Gauff, Patrick Mahomes, and Shohei Ohtani. Her nominations highlight her versatility and dominance across various aspects of the game. Fans have the opportunity to vote for their favorites until Thursday, July 11, at 6 p.m. CT, with the 2024 ESPYS airing later that evening at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.
ESPY Award Categories Featuring Caitlin Clark
Best Athlete, Women’s Sports
- Caitlin Clark, Iowa Women’s Basketball
- Coco Gauff, Tennis
- Nelly Korda, Golf
- A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Best Record-Breaking Performance
- 49ers Christian McCaffrey scores a touchdown in a record-breaking 17 straight games
- Caitlin Clark becomes NCAA’s all-time scoring leader, breaking Pete Maravich’s record
- Tara VanDerveer, Stanford Women’s Basketball, secures her 1,203rd win, surpassing Coach K for most wins by any coach in NCAA basketball history
- Max Verstappen wins a record 10th consecutive race with victory at the Italian Grand Prix
Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports
- Haleigh Bryant, LSU Gymnastics
- Caitlin Clark, Iowa Basketball
- Sarah Franklin, Wisconsin Volleyball
- Izzy Scane, Northwestern Lacrosse
Clark’s dominance on the court, coupled with her record-breaking performances, has cemented her status as a standout athlete. Her ability to excel at both the collegiate and professional levels makes her a formidable contender for each ESPY category. As fans eagerly await the ESPYS, Clark’s remarkable journey continues to inspire and draw crowds, underscoring her significance in the world of sports.
