Caitlin Clark had an outstanding basketball year in 2025, earning accolades like Time Athlete of the Year and Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women lists as well as being honored as AP Athlete of the Year despite not receiving unanimous agreement among Associated Press reporters; some analysts are questioning its impartiality and credibility for making decisions like these. Regardless, her offseason has been filled with anticipation ahead of another impressive comeback next season in 2025. Clark will surely do just that when her return occurs.
Charly Arnolt from OutKick expressed her disbelief via YouTube in a recent video, emphasizing what seemed like surprising bias from an organization like AP — normally known for impartial and factual reporting. This controversy started after one reporter cast an anonymous first-place vote for Angel Reese during ROTY voting – sparking debate and controversy surrounding selection process and outcomes; Clark received 35 votes while Simone Biles earned 25 and Imane Khelif earned 4. These results call into question recognition criteria used when award winners receive recognition awards or acknowledgements of accomplishment and legacies left by these athletes’ achievements and legacies!
Arnolt criticized the decision to allocate votes toward Khelif, arguing that both Clark and Biles have established more significant legacies within their respective sports. Biles, known for her extraordinary accomplishments including 11 Olympic medals and 30 world championship medals, and Clark, for her immediate impact on women’s basketball, are seen as unparalleled in their contributions and influence in the sports world.
Clark’s achievements have placed her among an elite group of women’s basketball players, becoming only the fourth to be honored as the female athlete of the year since the award’s inception in 1931. She follows in the footsteps of Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, and Candace Parker, further solidifying her impact on the sport. Notably, Simone Biles had secured the honor in the previous year, underscoring her lasting influence on gymnastics.
Clark has brought unprecedented visibility and visibility to women’s sports and basketball – an accomplishment she does not take for granted. Looking back over her journey and the significance of her platform, Clark remains humbled yet grateful that her platform provides inspiration to future generations. As fans and spectators await the continuation of Clark’s basketball journey.
Caitlin Clark made waves with her record-setting rookie season, drawing praise across sports communities for her ability to change games through three point shots and on-court presence, leaving fans anticipating what lies in store for this rising star.