Cleveland, OH - As the Final Four roars into Cleveland this week, women's basketball phenom Caitlin Clark is not only captivating fans with her record-breaking performances, but also using her platform to pay homage to the trailblazers who paved the way for the game's success today.

Born five years after the launch of the WNBA, Clark has grown up witnessing the growth and evolution of women's basketball firsthand. From the minimal media coverage and lack of opportunities before 1997, to the record-breaking 12.3 million viewers who tuned in to watch the LSU-Iowa rematch in the NCAA Tournament, the sport has come a long way.

Clark's own accomplishments this season, including rewriting the record books and pushing TV viewership to unprecedented levels, have not overshadowed her recognition of the players who came before her. With her remarkable talent and recognition, Clark successfully connects the present to the past, extending acknowledgement to the roundball revolutionaries who laid the foundation for the sport.

The player's journey mirrors the growth of the game itself. Prior to the launch of the WNBA and the establishment of professional leagues, women players sought opportunities overseas to pursue their basketball careers. The 1996 U.S. Olympic team, which jumpstarted the professional leagues, played in 5,000-seat arenas during the Atlanta Games - a stark contrast to the packed arenas and massive following the sport enjoys today.

Clark's presence at the Final Four is not only a testament to her skill on the court, but also a reminder of the progress women's basketball has made. In the regional finals, she delivered a stunning performance, scoring 41 points to dethrone defending champion Angel Reese and her Tigers.

The significance of Clark's achievements cannot be understated, as she not only garners attention for herself but also uses her platform to shed light on the pioneers who fought for the recognition and growth of women's basketball. These pioneers, once relegated to the sidelines, are now receiving the long overdue salute they deserve.

As the Final Four kicks off in Cleveland this week, fans and enthusiasts of the game eagerly anticipate more electrifying performances from Clark and her fellow top-tier athletes. But amidst the excitement, it is important to remember the journey that led women's basketball to this point and the women who blazed the trails along the way.

Caitlin Clark's contributions to the sport extend beyond the court, highlighting the legacy and impact of those who came before her. With her deft touch and incredible talent, she continues to bridge the gap between past and present, inspiring a new generation of basketball players and ensuring that the sport continues to grow and thrive.