Despite the narrative surrounding their intense rivalry, Iowa star Caitlin Clark and LSU's Angel Reese insist there is no animosity between them, emphasizing the competitive nature of the game.
### **Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese: A Rivalry for the Ages**
The 2023 women's college basketball national championship pitted two towering talents against each other: LSU's Angel Reese and Iowa's Caitlin Clark. Their on-court battles captivated audiences, but behind the scenes, a rivalry was brewing that would extend beyond the court.
In ESPN's docuseries "Full Court Press," Clark expressed her frustration over the media's focus on their rivalry, lamenting that it overshadowed the game's positive impact on fans. "That's the only thing people wanted to talk about when we just went on this magical run and united so many people, and that, like, was frustrating to me," she said.
### **Media Hype and Racial Undertones**
Iowa coach Lisa Bluder also criticized the media for attempting to "create a circus out of racial things." Both Clark and Reese, who are both African American, refuted any notion of animosity between them.
### **Competitive Fire**
Despite the intense rivalry, both players acknowledged their mutual respect for each other's competitive spirit. "Me and Caitlin Clark don't hate each other. I want everybody to understand that. It's just a super competitive game," Reese said. "Once I get between those lines, there's no friends. I have plenty of friends on the court that I talk to outside of the game, but like when I get between those lines, we're not friends. We're not buddies. I'm going to talk trash to you. I'm going to do whatever it takes to get in your head the whole entire game, but after the game, we can kick it."
### **The Pressure of Fame**
Clark also opened up about the challenges of being in the spotlight, particularly the constant pressure to maintain a positive demeanor. "The hardest part about being Caitlin Clark? I’d say is having to feel like you’re always on," she said. "You just have bad days, and there are days where you don’t want to talk to anyone."
### **Preparing for the WNBA**
Now, both Clark and Reese are preparing for their WNBA debuts. Clark was the No. 1 overall pick of the Indiana Fever, while Reese was selected by the Chicago Sky. As they embark on their professional careers, the rivalry that dominated their college years will likely follow them.
### **Lessons Learned**
Looking back on their intense rivalry, Clark and Reese have come to appreciate the lessons it taught them about competition, friendship, and the importance of lifting up the sport they love. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the midst of fierce competition, respect and sportsmanship can prevail.
