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Three things you missed about WNBA star Caitlin Clark in new book 'On Her Game'

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Three things you missed about WNBA star Caitlin Clark in new book 'On Her Game'


My book “On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports,” was published by Scribner on Tuesday. Much is being written and said about the book, but here are three stories in the book you might not have heard. Clark’s real reaction to the Olympic snubDuring an interview session after the Indiana Fever practice on June 9, 2024, Caitlin Clark was asked about the Olympic team decision. “I’m excited for the girls that are on the team,” she said. “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world, and I knew it could’ve gone either way — me being on the team, me not being on the team. I’m excited for them, I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold.”Honestly, no disappointment,” she added. “I think it just gives you something to work for. It’s a dream; hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation, you remember that, and hopefully, when four years comes back around I can be there.”Fever coach Christie Sides said during her availability with the media that Sunday that she and Clark texted right after she got the call on the bus. “She texted me to let me know. I just tried to keep her spirits up. The thing she said was, ‘Hey, Coach, they woke a monster,’ which I thought was awesome.”WOMEN’S SPORTS: The latest news and insider insights from USA TODAY Studio IX.

Although Clark took the high road in her public comments, Sides said in an interview for this book that the Olympic decision was “such a disappointing moment for her. Being an Olympian is a huge dream of hers, and when she realized it wasn’t going to happen, it just lit a fire under her.”

As the team landed in Indianapolis after a game in Washington earlier that evening and got off the plane late at night, Sides said she and Clark “were walking and talking about the decision. She could have gone to practice that night, I mean, that’s where she was, that’s the competitor she is. She didn’t really say much more after that.”

Clark’s ‘big sister’

As Clark’s name was called first in the 2024 WNBA Draft, veteran Fever point guard Erica Wheeler exploded from her courtside seat in Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Giddy with anticipation at the news she knew was coming, Wheeler had placed one hand on the knee of Lexie Hull and the other on the knee of Maya Caldwell, both Fever teammates at the time, and waited to hear Engelbert’s words.

Wheeler—known as “EW” to her teammates—leaped for joy with Hull and Caldwell, then pulled a red Fever No. 22 jersey over her head and ran around the court as the fans stood and roared. “Let’s go!” Wheeler shouted to every corner of the arena.

Erica Wheeler (No. 17) celebrated the Indiana Fever drafting Caitlin Clark (No. 22) despite losing her starting job to Clark. Here, the teammates took the court against the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena on June 21, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Her happiness was predictable, but also admirable, for as she danced, she knew she was celebrating the moment that she had lost her starting job. Clark was going to be the starting point guard for the Fever, guaranteed. Wheeler would be her backup, a difficult role, but one she understood, and even relished.

“You know when you go to a different school,” said the 33-year-old Wheeler, “the first day of school, you don’t know anybody, and you find that one person that says hi to you that becomes your best friend.”

Wheeler became that person for Clark.

“For me as a big sister, I’m going to take the first step, to just let her know, ‘We’re here, we got you. Whatever you need from me as your vet, even in the same position, I got you.’ . . . She’s one of the biggest players in the world right now and she don’t act like that. She’s just like, ‘Help me, in any way you can,’ in a sweet way, there’s no ego at all, she’s not selfish. . . . She wants to learn, she wants to be a family, and I’m like a big sister to her.”

27 minutes — not one mention of Clark

Throughout the WNBA post- and off-season, the league found itself curiously out of step with the nation’s fondness for Clark. On Oct. 10, before Game One of the WNBA Finals in Brooklyn, commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke for 27 minutes in a press conference about the historic developments in the 2024 season and never once mentioned Clark’s name.

Calling the season “the most transformational year in the WNBA’s history,” Engelbert talked glowingly about the record or near-record levels of viewership, attendance, merchandise sales, and digital engagement. “You saw some teams upgrade . . . arenas for certain games this year, and I thought that was a sign and signal as attendance has grown across the league that we can play in bigger arenas. . . . We had our highest-attended game ever, over 20,000, in Washington this year.”

Clark, of course, was the reason for most of those moves to larger arenas, and her presence definitely was the only reason Washington had the biggest crowd in WNBA regular-season history on Sept. 19.

Engelbert sprinkled the names of various WNBA players throughout her press conference, among them: Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Leonie Fiebich, Aliyah Boston, and A’ja Wilson. But no Clark.

Through her spokespeople, Engelbert was asked to be interviewed for this book several times in late 2024 and early 2025. Every request was declined. In March 2025, I asked again, specifically wondering why Engelbert, on Oct. 10, failed to mention Clark’s name when referring to the unprecedented season highlights that happened because of Clark.

On March 10, Engelbert replied in a text message sent through a spokesperson:

“You’re asking me why I didn’t mention Caitlin Clark during my WNBA Finals press conference? I didn’t mention any players in that press conference other than some of those from the Liberty and the Lynx who were participating in the Finals.”

Engelbert did mention two players who were not participating in the Finals: Aliyah Boston and A’ja Wilson. She talked about them when mentioning WNBA players in commercials: “There’s virtually not a sporting event you can turn on where one of our players is not in an ad spot. That was not happening five years ago. Look at Aliyah Boston and Sabrina and A’ja and so many of our players in these ad spots.”

Engelbert’s March 10 text continued: “I have stated many times that Caitlin is a generational talent and there is no denying her impact — not only in the WNBA but beyond the world of sports. We have also always stood by the belief that our league is not about any one player but about the collective talent, teamwork, and dedication of all the athletes who continue to elevate the game and inspire generations. Just because Caitlin’s name is not mentioned in every interview or press conference does not mean we do not recognize, celebrate, and fully support her — both as an athlete and, even more importantly, as a person.”

A week and a half before the WNBA Finals, Engelbert, in an interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Jon Wertheim for a piece on Clark and the WNBA, was asked to describe “the Caitlin Clark phenomenon.” 

Engelbert replied, “She’s clearly an unbelievable player, came in with an unbelievable following, has brought a lot of new fans to the league. If you look at our historic season around our attendance, our viewership, Caitlin — Angel, too, Angel Reese, Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink — this class of rookies, we will be talking about them a generation from now.”

Wertheim followed up. “I notice when you’re asked about Caitlin a lot, you bring up other rookies as well.”

“No league’s ever about one player,” Engelbert replied. “That player could get hurt or whatever, so I think it’s just to give recognition that in sports, people watch for compelling content and rivalries. And you can’t do that alone as one person.”

By practically any measure, Clark was that one person.

Adapted from “On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports” by Christine Brennan. Copyright © 2025 by Christine Brennan. Adapted for excerpt with permission from Scribner, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

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Hartman named MVC Player of the Week for third time this season

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November 4, 2025

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ST. LOUIS — UNI junior outside hitter Cassidy Hartman has been named the Missouri Valley Conference’s (MVC) Player of the Week for volleyball, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon.

The selection comes for the North Liberty, Iowa native after led the Panthers with a pair of double-digit kill showings and one double-double performances in victories over Belmont and Southern Illinois, helping UNI improve to 12-0 in league play. 

Northern Iowa is currently in the midst of a 15-match winning streak, tied for the second-longest in Division I, while also having won 48 consecutive regular season matches against MVC opponents, the third-longest such streak in program history and the second-longest active streak in the nation. UNI is also closing in on at least a share of its fourth straight MVC regular season title this week.

UNI’s season leader with 352 total blocks on the year, Hartman notably set a new career-high with 26 terminations in the Panthers’ 3-1 win at Southern Illinois on Saturday, while also tallying 11 digs for her team-leading 11th double-double of the season. Hartman also recorded 11 kills against Belmont last Thursday, having now posted ten or more kills in 19 matches this year.

Hartman’s selection is the eighth MVC weekly award of the season for the Panthers, who have also seen Maryn Bixby be named the MVC Freshman of the Week three times, and Jadyn Petersen the league’s top defense player of the week twice. 

In addition to Hartman, Valparaiso’s Emma Hickey was named MVC Defensive Player of the Week for a second straight week, while Drake’s Caroline Smith earned MVC Freshman of the Week honors.

Hartman and the Panthers return to action on Tuesday nights as UNI hosts Drake at 6 p.m. CT inside the McLeod Center. Live coverage of the match can be found on ESPN+ and the Panther Sports Radio Network (106.5 FM Corn Country / 93.5 HD-2).

Tickets can be purchased online through the UNI Ticket Office, by calling 319-273-4849 or through email at tickets@uni.edu. 

Fans are encouraged to wear purple for the team’s annual Purple Out match, while UNI will also celebrate Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night.

UNI students in attendance will also have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship. Rules and eligibility can be found HERE. For a full list of upcoming Panther promotions, click HERE.

 

UNI volleyball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Volleyball), X (@UNIVolleyball) and on Instagram (@univolleyball). The full 2025 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.





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Cheney Named A-10 Volleyball Rookie of the Week

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November 4, 2025

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Atlantic 10 conference has named freshman setter Ava Cheney the conference Rookie of the Week for games played Oct. 27-Nov. 2.

Cheney stepped into the solo setter role this week and rose to the occasion. Totaling 146 assists over three matches, averaging 10.43 per set, she helped quarterback the Patriots’ offense. She totaled 46 assists on Wednesday vs. GW, 57 assists on Saturday vs. Rhode Island (good for top-5 assists in a single match post-2008, and second most in a single game in the A-10 this season), and 43 assists on Sunday vs. Rhode Island.

In addition to her assists, the Tucson, Ariz. native had four service aces in Saturday’s match, and she totaled 14 digs and 9 blocks over the week. 

The Patriots went 1-2 last week, splitting with Rhode Island and losing to George Washington. They are currently tied for fourth place in the A-10 with a 15-10, 8-6 conference record. 

 





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WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL CLINCHES AMERICA EAST POSTSEASON BERTH

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November 4, 2025

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SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant volleyball team clinched a spot in the America East postseason on Sunday afternoon.

The Bulldogs make their return to the postseason after not qualifying last season. They’re the first team in the America East to clinch a postseason berth.

The Black and Gold have an overall 14-11 record and are 5-3 in conference play, tied for second place in the conference with UAlbany and Binghamton. Bryant split the season series with UAlbany and defeated Binghamton in the first meeting.

Bryant split their home matches against New Hampshire and UMBC this weekend at the Chace Athletic Center.

The Bulldogs are back in action on Friday night (Nov. 7), taking on the Binghamton Bearcats on the road. First serve is at 6:00 PM in Vestal, N.Y.

 



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CAA Volleyball Weekly Awards – Nov. 3, 2025

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November 4, 2025

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CAA Volleyball Weekly Awards – Nov. 3, 2025

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Dylan Smith


RICHMOND, Va. (Nov. 3, 2025) – Hofstra’s Beatriz Braga and Stony Brook’s Kali Moore shared Offensive Player of the Week honors, while the Pride’s Julia Amorim and the Seawolves’ Ava Zamora earned outright Defensive Player and Rookie of the Week recognition, respectively, on Monday.
 
CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Beatriz Braga, Hofstra
Junior | Outside Hitter | Uberlândia, Brazil

Braga helped the Pride pick up a pair of road wins over North Carolina A&T to extend the win streak to nine consecutive matches. For the week, Braga averaged 5.13 kills, 1.88 digs and 0.75 blocks per set. She also hit at a .304 clip in the two contests. The Brazilian native posted 41 kills, while adding 15 digs and six blocks in the two matches. On Saturday, she was outstanding with 20 kills in the three-set match, averaging nearly seven kills per set to go with seven digs and three blocks. In Sunday’s win, she literally one-upped herself with 21 kills, a .350 attack percentage, along with eight digs and three blocks. Both kill totals established new season highs for Braga, and they were just the second and third times in her career that she has reached the 20-kill plateau in a match.
 
CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kali Moore, Stony Brook
Senior | Outside Hitter | Brooklyn, N.Y.
Moore led the Seawolves offense with 41 kills in a pair of upset wins over Towson. The two wins were also the program’s first two wins against the Tigers in its previous 16 matches prior to the weekend slate. The senior outside hitter posted her fifth 20-kill performance of the season with 22 on Friday en route to a 3-1 victory over the Tigers. Moore also had two aces and nine blocks, including a season-high six blocks on Friday. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native followed up with her ninth double-double of the season, notching 19 kills and a season-high 19 digs to secure another 3-1 victory on the road.
 
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Julia Amorim, Hofstra
Freshman | Middle Blocker | Pavuna, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Amorim produced a strong week as the Pride won both contests at North Carolina A&T to extend the current win streak to nine consecutive matches. The middle blocker totaled 15 stuffs, including five solo, along with nine kills, three service aces, and a pair of digs. In Saturday’s match, Amorim totaled nine blocks, including four on her own, to go with three kills, two aces and two digs. The freshman followed that up with another strong defensive effort with six blocks and six kills in Sunday’s victory.
 
ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Ava Zamora, Stony Brook
Freshman | Setter | San Diego, Calif.
Zamora guided the Seawolves to a pair of victories at Towson with 76 assists and 24 digs. The San Diego, Calif., posted a double-double in the opening match with 45 assists and a season-high 19 digs. The freshman setter then recorded 31 assists with five digs on Saturday to notch the team’s first in-season sweep of Towson. Zamora also had five kills, two aces and one block on Saturday.

2025 CAA VOLLEYBALL WEEKLY AWARDS

Offensive Player of the Week

Sept. 1: Tyne Ross, N.C. A&T

Sept. 8: Maja Daca, Campbell / Taylor Pagan, Towson

Sept. 15: Gwen Wolkow, Campbell / Ella Sanders, Towson

Sept. 22: Izadora Stedile, Hofstra

Sept. 29: Caroline Noonan, Charleston

Oct. 6: Beatriz Braga, Hofstra

Oct. 13: Gwen Wolkow, Campbell

Oct. 20: Gwen Wolkow, Campbell

Oct. 27: Tyne Ross, N.C. A&T

Nov. 3: Beatriz Braga, Hofstra / Kali Moore, Stony Brook

 

Defensive Player of the Week

Sept. 1: Nadia Koanui, Northeastern / Mercedes Motton, Stony Brook

Sept. 8: Malinah Purcell-Telefoni, Towson

Sept. 15: Julia Amorim, Hofstra

Sept. 22: Sydney Stewart, Towson

Sept. 29: Makena Parthen, Charleston / Sydney Stewart, Towson

Oct. 6: Sydney Stewart, Towson

Oct. 13: Jumana Martin, Charleston / Lilia Duczek, Hofstra

Oct. 20: Caroline Noonan, Charleston / Leonor Polezzi, N.C. A&T

Oct. 27: Hailey Heytvelt, Campbell / Jumana Martin, Charleston

Nov. 3: Julia Amorim, Hofstra

 

Rookie of the Week

Sept. 1: Ava Zamora, Stony Brook

Sept. 8: Julia Amorim, Hofstra

Sept. 15: Caroline Noonan, Charleston

Sept. 22: Nina Jioshvili-Ravva, Hofstra

Sept. 29: Malinah Purcell-Telefoni, Towson

Oct. 6: Jumana Martin, Charleston / Nina Jioshvili-Ravva, Hofstra

Oct. 13: Nina Jioshvili-Ravva, Hofstra

Oct. 20: Nina Jioshvili-Ravva, Hofstra

Oct. 27: Zariah Winton, N.C. A&T

Nov. 3: Ava Zamora, Stony Brook

 

Follow #CAAVB on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get up-to-date information and learn more about CAA member institutions and their volleyball programs.

 

 





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Mara Štiglic Named Mountain West Offensive Volleyball Player of the Week

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2 hours ago

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November 3, 2025

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LOGAN, Utah – Utah State volleyball outside hitter Mara Štiglic has been named the Old Trapper Mountain West Offensive Volleyball Player of the Week the conference announced on Monday.

Štiglic led Utah State with a .400 hitting percentage while recording 29 total kills in a pair of wins at San Diego State (3-1) and UNLV (3-0). The sophomore from Rijeka, Croatia, averaged 4.14 kills per set for the week and added two aces, six digs and four blocks. Štiglic tied for the team lead with 13 kills against the Aztecs, hitting .355 on 31 total attempts and adding three blocks. Against the Rebels, Štiglic posted 16 kills on 29 attempts for a .448 hitting percentage, also adding two aces. In the third set, Štiglic had a team-high eight kills to help seal the win. Of 60 total attempts during the week, Štiglic recorded only five hitting errors. 

It is Štiglic’s second time this season and in her career earning Player of the Week honors. She previously earned the award after totaling 46 total kills to help USU to wins against Utah Valley and Weber State plus a spirited effort against then-No. 16 BYU, averaging 4.18 kills per set for the week.

Štiglic is the first Aggie to receive multiple awards from the MW this season. Utah State has had six different players receive a weekly award from the conference this season.

PREVIOUS AGGIES TO RECEIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK THIS SEASON

Sept. 2 – Tierney Barlow, Sr., MB – Offensive Player of the Week

Sept. 22 – Mara Štiglic, So., OH – Offensive Player of the Week

Sept. 29 – Lauren Larkin, R-Fr., MB – Freshman of the Week

Oct. 6 – Kaylie Kofe, So., S – Offensive Player of the Week

Oct. 13 – Kendel Thompson, Jr., L/DS – Defensive Player of the Week

Oct. 27 – Loryn Helgesen, So., OPP – Offensive Player of the Week

Up Next

The Aggies return home for a pair of crucial matches versus teams currently in Mountain West Tournament position. Utah State will first host second-place Colorado State on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m., before facing Wyoming, who currently sits third in the conference standings, on Saturday, Nov. 8, at noon.

Season tickets, mini-plans, and single-game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here or by contacting the USU Ticket Office at 435-797-0305.

Fans can follow the Aggie volleyball program on Twitter, @USUVolleyball, on Facebook at /USUVolleyball or on Instagram, @usuvolleyball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.

 – USU –



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Ohio high school volleyball OHSAA state tournament brackets, schedule

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November 3, 2025

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Ohio high school volleyball OHSAA state tournament brackets, schedule



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