It’s no surprise that when we talk about the WNBA, the first thing that comes to mind is the great Caitlin Clark, who has revolutionized not only basketball, but women’s sports.
Her impact has been impressive, not only because she was the first player drafted by the Indiana Fever, but also because she left everyone speechless with her performance in college.
Her first season as a rookie exceeded all expectations, not only because of what she did on the court, but also because she was a phenomenon for women off the court, with merchandise sales records, a cultural shift in support for women’s sports, and more.
Surprising as it may seem, someone finally put a stop to the “Caitlin Clark Effect”. And that someone is Syla Swords, the 19-year-old rising star of the Michigan Wolverines.
Syla downplays Caitlin’s power
In an interview for the Whistle YouTube channel, Syla Swords talked about everything women’s basketball is and the comparisons that exist with Caitlin Clark, as well as her impact on the sport.
“We’re on a brilliant trajectory. There’s been a lot of talk about Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins, but also the players that came before us and laid the foundation. You know, Candace Parker and other great players like that,”Swords said, trying to give other players their due.
But that’s not all, Syla justified her strong response by making it very clear that even in women’s sports, the past has power.
“That’s why I think it’s important to recognize not only the present, but also the past, so that the future can continue to grow the game,” the 19-year-old said.
Candace Parker, Cheryl Miller and Lisa Leslie were pioneers who elevated women’s basketball for decades, and now, with technology, some can get a glimpse of the incredible moves they made.
Expectations are high for Syla Swords and Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines, who finished fifth in the Big Ten at 11-7, are back in the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time.
Syla Swords leads the team with 16 points per game, 499 points in 31 games, 35% three-point shooting and 88% free throw shooting along with Olivia Olson. As the sixth-seeded team, their perimeter play promises upsets in March Madness, where the Swords will face a big challenge after shining at the 2024 Olympics.
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