Caitlin Clark's Coach Reminds Her of Olympic Snub

Caitlin Clark, a standout in women's basketball, has been notably left off the USA Basketball roster for the upcoming Paris games, sparking significant debate among fans and analysts. This decision has drawn attention to Clark's previous experiences with national team selections, particularly a notable instance in 2018 when she was expected to make the U-17 World Cup team but was ultimately cut. Kristin Meyer, Clark's high school coach, reflected on that time, noting that despite Clark's injury during tryouts, the selection committee favored other players. Clark's journey has been marked by resilience. After being left off the U-17 roster, she returned to her home in Des Moines, Iowa, to focus on improving her skills. Her hard work paid off when she was invited to try out for the U-19 World Championships the following year, where she successfully made the team. Clark's performance continued to shine, contributing significantly to Team USA's gold medal victory in the World Championships, where she averaged 14.3 points per game. Meyer emphasized that setbacks like these have fueled Clark's determination and growth as an athlete. The selection process for national teams can be complex, often influenced by various factors including player performance, team dynamics, and coaching preferences. As the debate continues over her exclusion from the current roster, Clark's past experiences highlight her ability to overcome disappointment and enhance her game.