Caitlin Clark Salutes Women's Basketball's Greats, Clowns Michael Che in 'Saturday Night Live' Appearance

Patrick Andres | Apr 14, 2024

Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts. / Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa guard Caitlin Clark's final year with the Hawkeyes was among the most impressive individual seasons in recent memory—one that saw her celebrity grow to soaring heights.

Clark's level of notoriety is virtually unheard of for a non-football college athlete, as she steered Iowa to a 34-5 record and a second straight trip to the national title game.

On Saturday, Clark took a victory lap the way most famous Americans do: by stopping by Saturday Night Live.

Appearing alongside Michael Che on the show's Weekend Update sketch, Clark paid tribute to women's basketball's legends.

Caitlin Clark pays homage to WNBA legends to come before her on her SNL appearance 👏🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Y7fqGaINzB

— Bri Lewerke (@brilewerke) April 14, 2024

"Thanks to all the great players like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper, the great Dawn Staley, and my basketball hero, Maya Moore," Clark said. "These are the women that kicked down the door so I could walk inside."

Clark then presented Che with a gift.

"Since you're such a big fan, I brought you a souvenir. It's an apron, signed by me," Clark said.

"Thank you. I can't wait to give this to my girlfriend," Che replied.

"You don't have a girlfriend, Michael," Clark shot back with impeccable timing to laughter and applause.

Clark will learn her WNBA fate Monday night during the league's annual draft, in which the Indiana Fever hold the first pick.