In a thrilling surprise, Caitlin Clark, the Iowa basketball sensation, graced the stage of “Saturday Night Live” during its famed “Weekend Update” segment. The appearance added another layer of excitement to an already eventful week for Clark, who is in the spotlight ahead of the WNBA draft.
Clark shared with the Associated Press that she first learned about her SNL moment at the Final Four, although discussions had been ongoing behind the scenes for a couple of weeks. Demonstrating her quick wit, Clark commented on the script, “I didn’t know the script until I showed up and saw it… Set them straight about women’s sports; the crowd was incredible. I was way more nervous than I get for a basketball game. Definitely a bucket list moment checked off!”
The timing of Clark’s appearance couldn’t have been more perfect, with the Iowa star in New York for the WNBA draft, where she is highly anticipated to be the top pick by the Indiana Fever. Her presence on SNL further cemented her status as a rising sports star.
During the show, after anchor Michael Che joked about Iowa retiring Clark’s jersey, the all-time NCAA Division I leading scorer had her moment of reprisal as Che read jokes that she penned herself, poking fun at the comedian. Behind the scenes, Clark shared that cast members approached her with enthusiasm, expressing their support and admiration for her basketball prowess.
The young athlete then delivered a heartfelt message about her journey into professional basketball, paying homage to the pioneering women who came before her: Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper, Dawn Staley, and her personal basketball hero, Maya Moore. Clark acknowledged the importance of their legacy in paving the way for her success.
As if one appearance wasn’t enough, Clark returned to the stage during the show’s finale, this time with her former Hawkeye teammates Kate Martin, Gabbie Marshall, and Jada Gyamfi by her side. Describing the experience, Clark said, “It’s so cool… The producer invited them onstage for the final segment. They were a little shell-shocked at first, but it’s amazing to be able to share these unforgettable moments with my teammates.”
To maintain the surprise element for fans, Clark watched the first half of the show from backstage and later witnessed musical guest Chris Stapleton’s second performance from the set after her own segment.
This past week has been a whirlwind for Clark since her team’s loss to South Carolina in the national championship game. From accepting the John R. Wooden Award in Los Angeles to celebrating with her team at a rally in Iowa, she has been on an emotional rollercoaster, culminating in this once-in-a-lifetime SNL appearance.
With her charisma, talent, and now mainstream recognition, Caitlin Clark is poised to become a household name as she steps into the WNBA draft limelight.