'I’m excited for the girls..' - Caitlin Clark opens up about missing out on USA Women's Basketball team

Caitlin Clark, an Indiana Fever rookie, handled being left off the US Olympic women's basketball team selection with stride on Sunday. She talked with the media during practice and made her first comments on not making the 2024 team. She said being left off the roster just adds to her determination to strive for a spot in 2028.

According to Fox News, "I’m excited for the girls who are on the team. I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could’ve gone either way – me being on the team, me not being on the team," she said. "So, I’m excited for them. I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics. So, yeah, it’ll be fun to watch them. 

"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. And hopefully in four years, when four years comes back around, I can be there."

Caitlin Clark has taken WNBA to next level

Caitlin Clark said she was looking forward to having a little break to prepare her body for the WNBA season's final stretch. Clark was the first choice in the WNBA Draft in April, after guiding Iowa to back-to-back national championships and setting the collegiate basketball scoring record. She was unable to attend a national training camp in Cleveland despite being invited since Iowa was in the Final Four.

Clark has introduced millions of new players to the game in the previous two years. The Iowa-South Carolina national championship was the most-watched women's college basketball game, and her games with the Fever have been among the top in WNBA ratings this season, not to mention the crowd support she's had at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and other venues.

Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever play the Connecticut Sun on the road on Monday night.