Caitlin Clark will not be joining Angel Reese at any off-season basketball events (Image: GETTY)
Caitlin Clark will not be following in the footsteps of Angel Reese after her incredible rookie season in the WNBA. Clark has quickly emerged as one of America’s major sporting stars, with her presence in the WNBA driving interest and excitement like never before.She wrapped up her impressive debut campaign for the Indiana Fever by winning Rookie of the Year in a near-unanimous vote. A national panel of sportswriters and sportscasters gave 66 of 67 votes to Clark, with Chicago Sky forward Reese receiving the other.Clark was unable to help the Fever to WNBA glory, with the Connecticut Sun knocking them out in the play-offs last month. The 22-year-old will now have time to rest and recover from playing the lead role in an unprecedented year for women’s basketball.Express Sport takes a look at how Clark will spend her off-season before returning to basketball next year…
The 22-year-old looks set for a relatively quiet winter ahead of the new WNBA campaign (Image: GETTY)
A break from basketball
Clark will not be involved in any off-season tournaments despite some of her rivals signing up to the Unrivalled League. Reese is the biggest name on the entry list with Brittney Griner among the other stars involved, but Clark has decided not to take part.ESPN commentator Ryan Ruocco said he spoke to Clark before the Fever were eliminated from the play-offs and confirmed that she had no intention of playing in the league.”We talked to Caitlin Clark earlier today,” he said. “She said she almost definitely will not play basketball this offseason. So it is likely we will not see her play again until April.”The new WNBA season will likely start in May, meaning Clark will be due to return to training with the Fever in April.
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A well-deserved holiday
Clark went to Mexico with her boyfriend in the summer after being left out of the USA team for the Olympics. It seems she is planning to enjoy another holiday over the winter before returning to action next year.She recently underlined her desire to relax and unwind during the off-season, saying: “‘It feels like everybody is watching your every single move, no matter what you’re doing. I’ve tried to be the same person off the court.”It will be a little bit of an adjustment period for myself. It’s going to be nice, though, getting out of the spotlight, getting to live my life and do the things that I want to do, get away and relax a little bit.”
On the golf course
Clark has made no secret of her love for golf and played in the John Deere Classic pro-am before joining the WNBA. She was recently asked about her off-season plans and made it clear that she would be spending more time on the golf course.”I don’t know what I’m going to do the next day,” she replied. “Maybe play some golf. That’s what I’m going to do, become a professional golfer.”Clark previously explained her love for golf in an interview with , saying: “You can clear your mind, do something you really love and have the peace and quiet of just your friends around or even just yourself. I love being able to escape reality for a little bit.”
Clark is a keen golfer and is planning to spend more time on the course (Image: GETTY)
Brand deal commitments
As one of the most popular athletes in America, Clark is likely to be inundated with offers from brands and potential sponsors. The off-season is the ideal time for players to cash in without having to attend training or play in matches.Clark already has deals with Gatorade, State Farm and Nike but may not stop there with other companies likely to be interested. Any new brand deals will allow her to bring in some extra income, having earned around £58,000 from her rookie salary.As a result, it would not be a surprise to see Clark involved in more endorsements over the coming months.