Criticism around dual White House invite
Clark’s comments come a day after first lady Jill Biden appeared to walk back suggestions that the White House might invite both LSU and Iowa’s women’s basketball teams.
Speaking on Monday, Biden congratulated both teams on their performance in Sunday’s national championship game, as well as specifically highlighting Iowa’s sportsmanship.
It is traditional for the national champions to be invited to the White House, but not for the runners-up. Reese tweeted a link to the story which included Biden’s comments, calling it “A JOKE” along with three rolling-on-floor-laughing emojis.
In a comment on an Instagram post from ‘The Shade Room’ which included Reese’s tweet, the recently crowned NCAA champion said: “WE NOT COMING. period.”
Press secretary to the first lady Vanessa Valdivia sought to clarify Biden’s comments on Tuesday, saying in a tweet that they “were intended to applaud the historic game and all women athletes. She looks forward to celebrating the LSU Tigers on their championship win at the White House.”
Hawkeyes junior guard Clark weighed in on the matter, saying that she believed LSU should celebrate their moment in the sun alone.
Clark shoots the ball against Reese during the fourth quarter of the championship game.
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
“I don’t think runner-ups usually go to the White House. I think LSU should enjoy that moment for them and congratulations, obviously, they deserve to go there. Maybe, I could go to the White House on different terms though,” Clark said.
“That’s for LSU. That’s a pretty cool moment and they should enjoy every single second of being a champion.”
Iowa coach Lisa Bluder agreed with Clark’s thoughts. “I gratefully acknowledge the First Lady’s sentiments, but a day at the White House should belong solely to the champion, LSU and Coach Mulkey,” Bluder tweeted.
“We would welcome the First Lady and President to come to Iowa’s ‘House’ – Carver Hawkeye Arena – any time!”
On Tuesday, Clark earned yet another award for her record-breaking season – the 2023 John Wooden Award for most outstanding player in women’s college basketball.
Clark and Reese both had outstanding individual seasons and, through their own unique skillsets and personalities, helped popularize women’s college basketball to a whole different level.
After Sunday’s national championship, Reese acknowledged that she’s grown the game; a sentiment Clark echoed.
“It’s honestly probably pretty hard for me to wrap my head around [the last season],” Clark said. “It will probably take me a few weeks to reflect on the whole year. Just the last month in general has been kind of a wild whirlwind, and I’m lucky to be a part of it.
“I just want to inspire young boys and young girls to be able to dream and do the same things that I have done. I was just that young girl. I looked up to WNBA players, NBA players, college athletes, even other pro sport athletes. All you have to do is dream, work really hard and be surrounded by really, really good people that believe in you, too.”
