Caitlin Clark was under consideration for a spot on USA Basketball Women's National Team roster for the 2024 Olympics. Ultimately, she didn't make the final 12-woman squad.
USA Basketball decided to take a veteran-laden squad to Paris, headlined by seasoned Olympians like Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner and more.
Still, it doesn't seem like Clark is holding any grudges about the decision. She told reporters at a Sunday media availability that there was "no disappointment" about coming up short in her efforts to make the squad.
MORE: Full USA women's basketball team for 2024 Paris Olympics
"I think it just gives you something to work for," Clark said. "That’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that. Hopefully when four years comes back around, I can be there."
#IndianaFever No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark on not being picked for Team USA:
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) June 9, 2024
“No disappointment. I think it just gives you something to work for. That’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that.” | @TheAthleticWBB pic.twitter.com/EF1yNMUBR3
Clark further explained she would relish a chance to rest and recover after a stretch that has seen her end her storied college basketball career before diving straight into her first WNBA season. And just because she won't be with Team USA in Paris doesn't mean she won't be following them closely.
"I'm excited for them," Clark said. "I'm gonna be rooting for them to win gold. I was a kid who grew up watching the Olympics, so yeah, it'll be fun to watch it."
BENDER: Leaving Caitlin Clark off Team USA is a major — and unnecessary — mistake
What Caitlin Clark told Christie Sides about Olympic snub
Clark may be humbly accepting her omission from the Team USA roster publicly. However, behind the scenes, Fever coach Christie Sides explained Sunday that the star rookie is also using it as motivation to continue improving.
"She got the call on the bus," Sides said of Clark learning she wouldn't be on Team USA. "She texted me to let me know and I just tried to keep her spirits [up]. And the thing she said was, 'Hey coach, they woke a monster.' Which I thought was awesome."
Christie Sides on Caitlin Clark not making the Olympic team:
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 9, 2024
Clark told Sides “hey coach, they woke a monster” when telling her she didn’t make it. pic.twitter.com/02UwvuEiVj
It will be interesting to see if Clark pops off in her first game since USA Basketball announced its 12-woman roster. She already tied a career-high with 30 points Friday against the Mystics, so if she can get hot from deep against the Sun on Monday, that may be a sign that she'll be looking to prove Team USA's decision-makers wrong.
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Of course, Clark could also have been implying with that comment that she is going to put in extra work in practice and the weight room as she continues her WNBA development. She specifically referenced getting stronger during her three-week Olympic break in her comments to reporters Sunday.
Either way, Sides is happy Clark is taking her Olympic snub in stride.
"That's the hardest team in the world to make, right?" Sides said. "Like, that is a tough team. She's young, she's gonna have so many opportunities in the future."
But for now, Clark can focus on the present and look for ways to improve upon the Fever's 3-9 record in their first five contests.
