Caitlin Clark raised the profile of women's basketball to unprecedented levels in both the US college ranks and the WNBA, and Tuesday she was named the AP Female Athlete of the Year for her impact on and off the court.

After leading Iowa to the national championship game, Clark was, as expected, the top pick in the WNBA draft, and went on to win rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers tuned in to follow her journey. Clark's exploits were far-reaching, casting a light on other women's sports leagues along the way.

A group of 74 sports journalists from The Associated Press and its members voted on the award. Clark received 35 votes, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles was second with 25 and boxer Imane Khelif was third, getting four votes.

Clark is only the fourth women's basketball player to be honored as the female athlete of the year since it was first presented in 1931, joining Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995) and Candace Parker (2008, 2021).

"I grew up a fan of Candace Parker and the people who came before me, and to be honored in this way is super special and I'm thankful," Clark said in a phone interview. "It was a great year for women's basketball and women's sports."

Shohei Ohtani won the AP Male Athlete of the Year on Monday for the third time.

Clark broke the NCAA Division I career scoring record for both men and women, finishing her college career with 3,951 points while guiding Iowa to its second consecutive national championship game. After her Hawkeyes lost to South Carolina for the title, Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley took the mic during her team's celebration and said, "I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport."

For all the success Clark has had, and the attention she has brought to women's basketball, she is often the centerpiece of debates and online toxicity targeting her and other players in the league.

For her part, Clark has disavowed the toxic discourse.

Lobo also has been impressed with the way the 22-year-old Clark has handled the pressure and attention that has come her way.

"I would say she's navigated it almost flawlessly. She hasn't had any big missteps or misspeaks," Lobo said.

"She's seemed to say and do all the right things. That's just incredible at a time when there is constant attention and scrutiny. She has not done anything to tarnish this sort of mild persona she has."

As Clark handled the praise — and the backlash — during the heat of competition, it was hard for her to appreciate just what she was able to accomplish over the past year. But, after having time to reflect on the whirlwind tour, she appreciates those who were there alongside her for the ride.

"I'm thankful for the people I got to do it with," Clark said. "A year ago I was still in the early part of my senior year in college. How fast things change, and now I can see how great a college season it was."

Iowa sold out all of its games at home and on the road with Clark as the main attraction. That momentum continued into the pros. Her No 22 jersey was prevalent wherever she played during her rookie season and will be retired at Iowa State.

Agencies Via Xinhua