Former WNBA president reflects on Caitlin Clark’s achievements

Former WNBA President Donna Orender recently sat down with First Coast News to discuss her experiences on the court and share her thoughts on the achievements of rising basketball star Caitlin Clark.

Orender, a pioneer in women’s sports, reflected on her own journey in basketball, stating, “It’s joyful. It’s a litmus test for all of us who did it, maybe when no one was watching; who did it when there was no money.” She described the magical feeling of stepping onto a basketball court for the first time and emphasized the significance of Clark’s success in the history of women’s sports.

Clark, with her exceptional skills and remarkable talent, has been captivating fans worldwide and inspiring a new era for women’s sports. Orender highlighted the record-breaking viewership numbers for recent NCAA women’s basketball games, indicating a growing interest and support for women’s sports.

“This is just the beginning of something great,” Orender stated. “It’s time to share the stage for the long run.” She acknowledged Clark’s role in growing women’s sports but also emphasized that there is still work to be done to further elevate the visibility and support for female athletes.

As women’s sports continue to gain momentum and recognition, Orender expressed optimism for the future, noting the progress that has been made and the potential for even greater achievements ahead. With Clark leading the way, the spotlight on women’s sports is shining brighter than ever before.