Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark receives prestigious honor from Sports Illustrated.

Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark has emerged as one of the most impactful athletes in modern sports, completely transforming the landscape of women’s basketball. On Wednesday, her influence was officially recognized.

Clark has led the Fever to the postseason for the first time since 2016 and is the clear favorite for Rookie of the Year, with a strong chance of making an All-WNBA team as well. She has set records for the most points and assists in WNBA history for a rookie, averaging an impressive 8.4 assists per game.

On Wednesday, Sports Illustrated included Clark in their list of the 50 most influential figures in the sports world, further solidifying her status as a game-changer.

“For all that’s swirling around Clark, perhaps what’s most impressive is her commitment to always bringing it back to the main thing: basketball.” SI wrote.

On the season, Clark is averaging an impressive 19.5 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. She leads all rookies in points, assists, steals, field goals made, three-pointers made, and free throw percentage.

Recently, she delivered an epic career-high 35-point performance, leading the Fever to victory and clinching the sixth seed in the postseason. Since returning from the Olympic hiatus, she has been named Player of the Week twice and has also secured Player of the Month honors.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) smiles while answering a question Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, after an Indiana Fever practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Clark has significantly altered the trajectory of the Indiana Fever franchise, boosting WNBA sales and viewership while expanding the league’s fanbase. Love her or hate her, one thing is undeniable: she’s a force to be reckoned with.