Barack Obama Offers Insight to WNBA Stars at Practice Session
WHO:
Fox News - Caitlin Clark described her conversation with Obama as “a moment I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life.”
AP News - Jonquel Jones stated, “He’s a role model for me and it was nice to be able to have that moment.”
AP News - Barack Obama, Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Jonquel Jones, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert
Fox News - Caitlin Clark
Reddit Sports - Caitlin Clark
WHAT:
Daily Mail Sports - Obama advised Caitlin Clark to ensure the "nonsense" surrounding her WNBA career doesn't "get you down."
Fox News - Footage captured Obama meeting Caitlin Clark for the first time at WNBA All-Star Weekend.
AP News - Obama participated in a game of “horse” on the court after his discussions with the players.
AP News - Obama was gifted a No. 44 WNBA All-Star jersey that the players were going to autograph later.
AP News - Obama stated, “Some of you I’m meeting for the first time. All of you are extraordinary and I could not be bigger fans.”
AP News - Obama expressed happiness about the growth of the WNBA, saying, “The way the game has been growing lately, the way it’s been picking up and people paying attention to your excellence, I think it’s been something for basketball fans, generally, a sight to see. It’s been making me happy.”
AP News - Obama told the players, “I know many of you are involved in some wonderful ventures off the court, looking out for other young people and inspiring them. I just wanted to say thanks.”
AP News - Obama participated in a game of “horse” on the court after his discussions with the players.
Fox News - Caitlin Clark revealed that Obama addressed the controversy surrounding her during their conversation.
AP News - Obama stated, “When I got famous in my 40s, I didn’t have to do it in my 20s,” while advising Clark.
AP News - Obama expressed admiration for A’ja Wilson during his talk with the players.
AP News - Jonquel Jones described her interaction with Obama, stating, “I was just like, let me go over there with the basketball, you know, do a little cross, bump him a little bit.”
AP News - Obama was the first sitting U.S. President to attend a WNBA game in 2010.
AP News - Barack Obama surprised the WNBA All-Stars at their practice session.
AP News - Caitlin Clark described her conversation with Obama as “a moment I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life.”
AP News - Obama complimented Clark on how she handles media attention.
AP News - Obama spoke to the players for a few minutes and took a group photo.
AP News - Obama spent about 10 minutes shaking hands and taking photos with the players.
AP News - Obama mentioned he no longer plays 5-on-5 basketball to protect his Achilles.
AP News - Obama participated in a game of “horse” on the court.
AP News - Obama was gifted a No. 44 WNBA All-Star jersey by the players.
WHERE:
AP News - The event took place at Obama’s Presidential Center in Chicago.
AP News - The basketball court at the center opened in June.
WHEN:
AP News - The basketball court at the center opened in June.
AP News - The practice session occurred on a Friday.
AP News - Obama stated he would not be able to attend the All-Star Game on Saturday due to a previous engagement.
WHY:
AP News - WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert remarked, “It’s fitting for our 30th anniversary that we’re here as the first sports league to play in the Obama Presidential Center.”
AP News - WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert remarked on the significance of the event, stating, “It’s fitting for our 30th anniversary that we’re here as the first sports league to play in the Obama Presidential Center.”
AP News - WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert noted the significance of the event, stating, “It’s fitting for our 30th anniversary that we’re here as the first sports league to play in the Obama Presidential Center.”
AP News - Obama expressed admiration for the growth of the WNBA and the attention it has garnered.
HOW:
AP News - After the practice session, Obama went across the center to talk to a group of investors in the league and nearly 100 high school girls.
AP News - After talking to the players, Obama went across the center to talk to a group of investors in the league and nearly 100 high school girls to talk.
AP News - Obama engaged with the players by complimenting them and discussing their off-court ventures.
In a heartwarming moment at WNBA All-Star Weekend, President Obama met Caitlin Clark for the first time and offered her some encouraging advice, urging her not to let the "nonsense" surrounding her career get her down. After the practice session, he took the time to engage with a group of investors in the league and nearly 100 high school girls, emphasizing the importance of support for young athletes. This interaction highlights Obama's ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation in sports.