Tuesday, March 25, 2025
O. Wayne Rollins Center | 7:00 pm

TIME MAGAZINE’S ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 2024

Caitlin Clark’s list of accolades and immense impact is impressive, and she is just getting started. Her first year in the WNBA resulted in packed stadiums and skyrocketing viewership. Clark’s influence is felt in the growing confidence of young athletes worldwide and the passion of those pushing their limits.

Although only 23 years old, Caitlin Clark has forever changed the game of basketball, completing a historic rookie season.

"Clark is uniquely positioned to resonate with our students, as she is close in age to many of them and not too far removed from her own college experience,” said Dr. Larry Cockrum. “Clark holds several impressive titles but has stuck close to her roots, using her platform to empower and uplift young athletes. The Cumberlands community will learn much from her exceptional career."

Clark aims to inspire young people to achieve their dreams at a greater magnitude than they think possible. This vision inspired her to create The Caitlin Clark Foundation, which focuses on youth empowerment through education, nutrition, and sports–the pillars of her success.

Keynote speakers are invited to Cumberlands’ campus annually, offering impactful messages to Cumberlands students and the general community to instill integral leadership values. The Excellence in Leadership Series has hosted noteworthy leaders representing a variety of careers and life experiences over the years, providing a diverse array of valuable lessons and experiences. Former keynote speakers include Jon Dorenbos, Mel Robbins, Drew Brees, Laila Ali, Terry Bradshaw, Shaquille O’Neal, and others.