WNBA fans ‘cry’ over Caitlin Clark teammates’ tribute after Fever star won Rookie of the Year

Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever teammates have left fans emotional after paying tribute to the newly-crowned WNBA Rookie of the Year in a heartwarming video.

Clark was finally named Rookie of the Year on Thursday after emerging as the clear frontrunner ahead of Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese at the back end of the regular season.

The 22-year-old, who has brought unprecedented attention to the WNBA in 2024, smashed endless records throughout her debut campaign up in the big leagues, while also recording the most assists of any player with 337.

And after she was duly rewarded with the coveted Rookie of the Year prize, Clark’s Fever teammates sent their congratulations in a video message on social media.

Her close friend Lexie Hull starts the video by saying: ‘You earned this, I am so proud of you.’

Indiana guard Erica Wheeler also tells Clark: ‘Super proud of you man, how you just block out the noise and handle your business.’

‘Not only do you belong, but you’re here to stay,’ says center Temi Fagbenle.

Guard Kelsey Mitchell then insists: ‘I’m always gonna be in your backcourt.’

While forward NaLyssa Smith adds: ‘I’m happy to be a part of your history.’

The tribute went down well with WNBA fans online, who heaped praise on Fever players for their classy gesture.

One wrote on X: ‘Well, that made me teary-eyed!’

‘Wow much deserved,’ said another about Clark. ‘She’s a great teammate that’s why they said what they said from the heart.’

A third posted: ‘Awesome team. Love you all.’

While another simply put: ‘Why am I crying’.

One day after being named Rookie of the Year, a beaming Clark posed with the award in a photo shared by the Fever, who were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Connecticut Sun last week.

Although it wasn’t announced until Thursday, Clark learned she’d be winning Rookie of the Year at a Fever practice before the team’s playoff opener in Connecticut last week. The Fever would go on to be swept 2-0, bringing their season to an abrupt end, but not until after the excitement over her first major WNBA award.

proud teammates ❤️

the squad congratulates Caitlin Clark on winning 2024 @WNBA Rookie of the Year. pic.twitter.com/zTgrdTJhJV

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) October 3, 2024

While a whopping 98.5 percent of voters – who were made up of two local journalists from each WNBA market and a collection of national writers – selected her as their winner, it wasn’t a unanimous victory for the Indiana hero after Reese earned herself one vote out of 67.

Fans are desperate to know who the mysterious electorate is, which has led to several reporters taking to X to deny picking the Sky rookie.

‘Just so we’re clear… it wasn’t me,’ Connecticut reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby wrote. ‘I voted for CC. So don’t blow me up or call me a hater cause IT WASNT TERRIKA.’

WNBA journalist Khristina Williams also confirmed she is not the voter responsible for selecting Reese, saying: ‘I had Caitlin Clark on my ballot for Rookie of the Year.’