The golf influencer Paige Spiranac is speaking out to defend the Iowa sharpshooter Caitlin Clark from criticism she received after the Hawkeyes lost to South Carolina in the national championship on Sunday.
Clark Slammed By Famous Women
Fox News reported that over the past few months, Clark has been slammed by such famous women as WNBA legends Diana Taurasi and Sheryl Swoopes, former UConn star Breanna Stewart and Hall of Famer Lynette Woodard as she went after the all-time scoring mark and a shot at the national title.
Taurasi warned Clark that “reality is coming” as she prepares to move to the WNBA, according to Daily Mail. Kansas Jayhawks legend Woodard said over the weekend that Clark has not beaten her NCAA scoring record after stating that she played with a men’s basketball and was only able to shoot for 2-pointers in her time.
Spiranac Defends Clark
Spiranac, however, has had enough of these attacks.
“The hate towards Caitlin Clark from current and former players is disappointing but not surprising,” Spiranac, 30, wrote on social media. “Women can be absolutely vicious to other women while also preaching empowering the next generation. I’ve seen it first hand but we must remember a rising tide lifts all boats.”
Related: Golfer Paige Spiranac Debuts New Look As She Celebrates 31st Birthday
Clark Devastated By Loss
Though Clark scored 30 points in her final college game, she was left devastated by the loss.
“I think for me the emotions will probably hit me over the next couple of days and I don’t have much time to sit around and sulk and be upset,” she said afterwards. “I don’t think that’s what I’m about either. Yeah, I’m sad we lost this game, but I’m also so proud of myself, I’m so proud of my teammates, I’m so proud of this program. There’s a lot to be proud of.”
“But there’s going to be tears. It is sad this is all over and it is sad this is the last time I’m going to put on an Iowa jersey,” she continued. “… Basically anybody other than me and coach (Lisa) Bluder never thought this was possible.”
Despite the criticism that she has received, Clark is not letting it get to her and is focused on her future.
“It’s certainly been a special year,” Clark said. “To be honest, after last year I was kind of, like, ‘How do we top doing what we did last year?’ Somehow, some way, every single person in our locker room believed. To be honest, this year was probably more special than last year.”
Related: Jason Whitlock Urges Caitlin Clark To Stay At Iowa, Avoid ‘Nastiness’ Awaiting Her In The WNBA
Clark’s Future – WNBA Draft
Next up for Clark is the WNBA draft, which is set to take place in Houston on Monday. Clark is expected to be the No. 1 pick by the Indiana Fever, according to The Athletic. The first round order of the draft is as follows:
1. Indiana Fever
2. Los Angeles Sparks
3. Chicago Sky
4. Los Angeles Sparks
5. Dallas Wings
6. Washington Mystics
7. Minnesota Lynx
8. Chicago Sky
9. Dallas Wings
10. Connecticut Sun
11. New York Liberty
12. Atlanta Dream
Many feel that Clark has done a great deal for women’s basketball, making the sport more popular than ever. Good for Spiranac for having Clark’s back in the face of the cruel attacks against her!