Caitlin Clark earns 3-word shoutout from 2-time Olympic gold medalist

Caitlin Clark added another achievement to her already-historic resume. On Tuesday afternoon, Clark became the first WNBA player to be named the TIME Athlete of the Year.

Clarke graced the cover of her Athlete of the Year issue, drawing support from some of the biggest names in sports for the historic honor.

Among those who showed love to Clark was two-time Olympic gold medalist and women's soccer legend, Lauren Holiday, who reposted Clark's cover on Instagram with a three-word caption.

Image Credits: Via @laurenholiday12 on Instagram

"Just getting started @caitlinclark22," Holiday posted, captioning Clark.

Holiday helped the United States Women's National Team to two gold medals in 2008 in Beijing and 2012 in London. She also helped the United States win gold at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.

In the National Women's Soccer League, Holiday won the Golden Boot award and the Most Valuable Player award in 2013. At the time of her retirement, Holiday was the NWSL's all-time leader in goals and assists.

Caitlin Clark gives 1-word answer to describe 2024 season

In her Athlete of the Year column, Caitlin Clark was asked to describe her year in one word. As the driving force behind the WNBA's eruption and the catalyst behind shattered attendance records, the reigning Rookie of the Year offered a fitting response.

"Historic," Clark responded.

Clark's popularity dates back to her time at the University of Iowa, where she exploded onto the scene as a freshman, leading the country in scoring in just her first season. The eventual No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft won back-to-back Player of the Year awards on her way to breaking the NCAA scoring record.

In her rookie season, she averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds, earning All-WNBA first-team honors and making her first All-Star appearance in Year 1.

Caitlin Clark's entrance into the WNBA brought new eyes to women's basketball and helped shape what the league is building toward. As the TIME Athlete of the Year's popularity continues to grow, so will the WNBA and women's basketball as a whole.