Caitlin Clark shrugs off U.S. Olympic team omission, hopes to make it one day

Caitlin Clark hopes to play for the U.S. Olympic team one day. It just won't be in Paris next month.

The Indiana Fever rookie confirmed on Sunday that she isn't on the roster for this year's Olympics.

"I think it just gives you something to work for," Clark told reporters after practice. "It's a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it's just a little more motivation. You remember that. Hopefully when four years comes back around, I can be there."

The next Summer Olympics are in Los Angeles in 2028.

Clark has averaged 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists so far in her young professional career with the Fever.

She wasn't included on the U.S. roster that was provided to The Associated Press on Saturday by a person familiar with the team. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement had been made.

When it comes to not making the Olympic team, Caitlin Clark has nothing but praise for the 12 who made it: “it’s the toughest team to make.”<br><br>Clip: <a href="https://t.co/LX59YA5Bzf">pic.twitter.com/LX59YA5Bzf</a>

The roster includes A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Diana Taurasi, who is going for a record sixth Olympic gold medal.

"I'm excited for the girls that are on the team," Clark said. "I know it's the most competitive team in the world, and I know it could have gone either way of me being on the team or me not being on the team. I'm excited for them. Going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics. It'll be fun to watch them."

The U.S. has won every gold medal in women's basketball starting with the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Clark said she received a phone call letting her know she wasn't chosen for this year's team.

"They called me and