Michelle Lennis, a lifelong Purdue basketball fan from Indiana, found herself captivated by the Iowa women’s basketball team this season, particularly inspired by Caitlin Clark as the star player propelled her sport to unprecedented heights.
With the Indiana Fever selecting Clark as their top pick in the WNBA draft this Monday, the excitement reached new levels in a state known for its basketball passion. Lennis, aged 43, expressed her full support for the new development.
“Clark has positioned women’s basketball in a spotlight like never before,” Lennis remarked, visibly moved. She believes that the recognition of women in sports is still lagging: “People just don’t take women’s sports seriously enough.”
Lennis, alongside her 7-year-old son, participated in the WNBA draft party at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Fever, where she saw enthusiasm for Clark’s WNBA arrival not only among young girls but also boys, signaling a shift in the audience’s engagement with women’s basketball. The excitement was palpable as both boys and girls were thrilled at the draft event.
Reflecting on her experiences as a former player and the challenges faced by women in sports, Lennis appreciates how Clark has managed to turn the tide of public opinion. “Caitlin has silenced the critics with her performance,” she stated.
The draft party itself was a major event, with nearly 17,000 fans claiming free tickets. Held at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which also hosts the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, the venue was charged with energy. Fans watched the draft unfold via a live feed from New York, celebrating with cheers and falling balloons when Clark’s selection was announced.
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