Staley: Praising & Critiquing Caitlin Clark Is Basketball’s Reality

Dawn Staley Discusses Clark’s Impact and the Nature of Criticism

The women’s basketball world has a new center of attention, and head coach Dawn Staley from South Carolina has shared her views on the situation. She believes it’s crucial to acknowledge the excitement **Caitlin Clark** has brought to the game, but also points out that critique is part of the sport.

Appearing on Kylie Kelce’s podcast, “Not Gonna Lie,” Staley offered insight into the phenomenon surrounding Clark, with whom she has twice competed in the NCAA Tournament. Staley discussed the dual nature of admiration and scrutiny in sports, particularly as it pertains to rising stars.

Staley recognizes the widespread fascination with Clark, saying, “She’s quite incredible, quite an anomaly when it comes to how many eyeballs she’s bringing on the game.” But she added that the large number of new fans only want to speak positively. This poses a challenge, because criticism is inherent in sports.

“We’re critics to everyone that plays the game. We’re critics. It is part of the fabric of sports. It’s part of athletics. It’s the competition. That’s what we do.”

—Dawn Staley, South Carolina Women’s Basketball Head Coach

The surge in popularity is undeniable; viewership for women’s college basketball games has increased by 30% this season (Nielsen 2025).

Clark’s Passing Prowess

For Staley, the most exceptional facet of Clark’s game is her passing ability. This talent enables her to elevate her teammates’ performance. Staley emphasized the necessity of limiting Clark’s assists to secure a victory.

Staley revealed their game plan during the 2024 national championship. The aim was to keep Clark’s assist numbers in check. Her passing created scoring opportunities, and limiting those opportunities was key to their strategy.

Additionally, Staley observed that Clark’s propensity for risky passes also presents vulnerabilities. This strategy could be exploited by opposing teams.

Staley suggests that the degree of criticism reflects more on the fans than on the player. Clark, however, is likely aware of her weaknesses and is working to address them. She is on a mission to try and eliminate those weaknesses herself according to Kelce.

In conclusion, Staley emphasized the value of both celebrating Clark’s strengths and recognizing her areas for improvement, asserting that this comprehensive approach is critical to understanding the game.