Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides revealed the interaction between her and rookie star Caitlin Clark after she was left off the United States’ roster for the Paris Olympics this summer.
Even though her popularity and play have greatly expanded the WNBA’s audience, Clark has yet to find her stride in the professional world after being selected by Indiana with the first overall pick in April.
While addressing the media on Sunday afternoon, Sides narrated how Clark approached her with the news. He then praised the former Iowa Hawkeye for taking the unfortunate news in stride.
“I’m a little disappointed, of course, she’s my player,” Sides said when asked about Clark’s snub. ‘That’s the hardest team in the world to form, right? “That’s a tough team.”
‘She is young. “She will have many opportunities in the future.”
Christie Sides revealed what Caitlin Clark said after being left off the Olympic roster
“We talked (actually) on the bus,” Sides added when asked how he helped Clark get over the bad news. “He got the call on the bus and texted me to let me know.”
“I just tried to keep his spirits (up),” Sides continued. “What she said was, ‘Coach, they woke up a monster,’ which I thought was incredible.”
After a stellar collegiate career at Iowa, Clark has done well but has struggled to find consistency since her transition to the WNBA. The rookie is averaging 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists for the Fever.
However, the NCAA’s leading scorer has notably struggled against the league’s upper echelon of teams. Clark’s lowest scoring performances came in a loss to the Las Vegas Aces (eight points in 29 minutes) and most recently against the New York Liberty (three points in 29 minutes), as Indiana is 1-8 on the season regular and 2-1. in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Clark broke his silence on Team USA’s Olympics snub
Dave Portnoy (left) is furious that Clark (right) is not expected to go to the Olympics
The No. 1 overall pick is averaging 6.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists for the Fever.
However, Clark said she is excited and rooting for the team as they head to Paris.
“I’m excited for the girls that are on the team,” Clark said Sunday.
“I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way, whether I was on the team or not.
“I’m excited for them, I’ll be rooting for them to win gold.” I was a kid who grew up watching the Olympics, it will be fun to watch.
‘Honestly, there is no disappointment. I think it just gives you something to work towards. It’s a dream, I hope one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little bit more motivation. You remember it and hopefully, when four years go by, I can be there.”