Caitlin Clark: Paige Spiranac hits out at Iowa star’s critics as golf influencer claims ‘women can be absolutely vicious to other women’

Paige Spiranac has defended Caitlin Clark over the “absolutely vicious” hatred directed at the Iowa sensation.

Clark, widely considered one of the greatest college basketball players of all time, failed to end her Iowa career on a high after losing 87-75 to South Carolina in Sunday night’s NCAA Championship game.

Despite setting numerous NCAA records over the course of the season and now preparing to enter this year’s WNBA Draft, the 22-year-old has been subject to criticism from current and former players and fans on social media.

Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi recently warned Clark that “reality is coming” ahead of her move to the WNBA, while Las Vegas Aces’ Kelsey Plum also mocked her tendency to shoot deep 3-pointers.

Kansas Jayhawks legend Lynette Woodard insisted this weekend that she hasn’t broken her NCAA scoring record after pointing out that she played men’s basketball and could only shoot for 2-pointers in her day.

Paige Spiranac has defended Caitlin Clark over the “vicious” hatred directed at her

Clark has faced criticism in recent weeks despite being one of the greatest college students of all time

Spiranac claims the hate she has received is a result of women being ‘absolutely cruel’ to other women

However, Spiranac has hit out at Clark’s critics, claiming that women are often “absolutely cruel” to other women.

“The hatred towards Caitlin Clark from current and former players is disappointing but not surprising,” the golf influencer, who has seven million followers across her various social media channels, wrote on X.

“Women can be absolutely cruel to other women while at the same time preaching to empower the next generation. I have seen it firsthand, but we must remember that a rising tide lifts all boats.”

Clark, the likely No. 1 overall pick in next week’s WNBA Draft, admitted that “emotions are going to get to me” after her final college game for Iowa ended in a loss and a national runner-up finish for the second straight season.

Her Instagram Story was a photo of the back of her yellow and black No. 22 jersey, which will certainly not be worn by any other Hawkeye and will be retired in Iowa City.

Clark scored 30 points in her final college game, including 18 in the first quarter against the Gamecocks.

The 22-year-old is now destined for the WNBA, but was on the verge of tears as she spoke to reporters after losing her second straight NCAA championship game

“I think the emotions will probably get to me in the next few days and I won’t have a lot of time to sulk and be upset,” she said after the loss to South Carolina.

“I don’t think that’s my intention either,” Clark added. “Yes, I’m sad that we lost this game, but I’m also so proud of myself, I’m so proud of my teammates, I’m so proud of this program. There is a lot to be proud of.’

“But there will be tears. It’s sad that this is all over and it’s sad that this is the last time I’m going to put on an Iowa jersey,” Clark continued. “… Actually, everyone but me and coach (Lisa) Bluder never thought this was possible.”