Excitement for women’s basketball is at an all-time high as stars from the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, such as Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, Stanford’s Cameron Brink, LSU’s Angel Reese, and South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso, are taking their talents to the WNBA. The WNBA draft, which took place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York, saw Caitlin Clark being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever.

Clark, who played a pivotal role in attracting record-breaking TV audiences and selling out arenas during her final collegiate season, expressed her excitement on the ESPN broadcast, stating, “I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was in second grade. It’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of ups and downs, but more than anything, just trying to soak it in.”

Following Clark, Cameron Brink was selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks, while Kamilla Cardoso was chosen by the Chicago Sky as the third overall pick. Cardoso, originally from Brazil, became emotional as she reflected on leaving her home country at the age of 15 to pursue her professional basketball dream.

The draft also saw UConn’s Aaliyah Edwards going sixth overall to the Washington Mystics, and Angel Reese landing with the Sky at No. 7, joining forces with fellow rookie Cardoso. Reese, the 2023 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, expressed her desire for a fresh start after winning the national title with LSU, while Cardoso earned the honor this year after South Carolina’s undefeated season and third national championship.

The transition of these talented athletes from the college level to the professional WNBA league marks a significant moment in women’s basketball, promising an exciting future for the sport.