In a moment that seemed destined, Caitlin Clark, the former Iowa basketball star, fulfilled her childhood dream when the Indiana Fever selected her as the No.1 pick in the WNBA draft. 

The highly anticipated draft occurred last night (April 15) at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. 

The event was held with fans for the first time since the 2014–2015 iterations. Within 15 minutes, approximately 1,000 tickets were sold out. Eager fans flocked to the venue to see where Clark would pursue her professional career. 

Clark is eligible to play an extra year at the collegiate level. However, she announced in late February that she would head to the league instead. Despite the difficult decision, her family and former teammates stood by her side during the draft as she entered the next chapter of her basketball stint. 

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The draft event itself drew an impressive crowd of nearly 17,000 eager fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, underscoring the widespread excitement for Clark's entry into the professional realm.

"When you're just sitting at a table waiting for your name to be called, that really allows the emotions to feed you," Clark told ESPN. "You're with your family. Obviously, playing a basketball game, I'm not out there with my family. So sharing that moment with them and enjoying it, and people that have really had my back and believed in me more than anyone, is super special." 

Clark aims to inject new life into the Indiana Fever alongside last season's top pick, Aliyah Boston, with whom she shares a history of playing on a USA Basketball Under-19 team.

Renowned for her signature long-range shots and exceptional passing skills, Clark has been instrumental in attracting millions of viewers to women's basketball. This is evidenced by the record-breaking 18.9 million viewership of the NCAA national championship game, where her Iowa team faced off against undefeated South Carolina.

"There's never been a bigger spotlight on women's basketball, thanks in large part to players like Caitlin Clark and coaches like Dawn Staley," Rose Minutaglio, ELLE senior editor, told AP. "With more eyes on the league, players recognize the opportunity to showcase their personalities through their style. Because of glaring pay discrepancies, fashion partnerships and brand sponsorships will continue to play a big role for female athletes." 

Amidst the excitement of draft night at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Clark was clad in a white Prada ensemble. She became the first player dressed by a high-end designer, rocking a sleek white mini skirt and matching jacket. Clark added her own flair with a bedazzled crop top and stylish black heels, turning heads on the "orange carpet." 

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Beyond her fashion-forward entrance, Clark's presence in the draft has ignited fervent discussions among fans and experts alike about her potential impact on the league. With her exceptional shooting and playmaking abilities, she's poised to be a game-changer on the court, potentially becoming a franchise player who elevates her team and inspires a new generation of athletes. 

"At times, you can definitely feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, but more than anything, to me, this is fun. It's a game. Just enjoy it. How lucky am I?" Clark said about the immense pressure. "I'm just kind of ready for the next chapter and a new challenge in my life. The biggest thing is just dream big," she added. 

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Clark's versatility and leadership qualities make her a coveted prospect for any WNBA team. She promises an exciting shift in the league's dynamics as she enters the professional stage. The draft also saw other standout talents finding new homes, including Stanford's Cameron Brink, who the Los Angeles Sparks selected as the No. 2 pick. Brink's dual prowess in scoring and defense adds depth to the Sparks roster, following the departure of franchise player Nneka Ogwumike.

Chicago made waves with its selections of South Carolina's Kamilla Cardoso and LSU's Angel Reese, while Dallas secured Ohio State guard Jacy Sheldon and Washington opted for UConn's Aaliyah Edwards.

Learn more about Clark's record-breaking career, here!

Photo Credit: @indianafever on Instagram.