Ahsoka Tano and Caitlin Clark: The power of being a groundbreaker

In the past two years, no one has captured the American heart and imagination more than Caitlin Clark. The women's basketball player has transcended women's sports and given a much-needed boost to positivity in the country. This is similar to how Ahsoka Tano has also been a transcended character both on and off screen for the Star Wars galaxy.

Clark went through growing pains during her time in Iowa and at the Indiana Fever, but now, she is arguably one of the top five players in the WNBA. As for Ahsoka, the character who debuted in the 2008 film Star Wars: The Clone Wars, has allowed an audience to watch her grow up and become both a strong leader and a powerful Jedi.

Clark also brought out the best in teammate Lexie Hull, who had an amazing season. Hull's field goal percentage has increased by seven percent over last year. This is similar to Ahsoka, who has brought out the best in Sabine Wren and has come back to her old master in the series Star Wars: Ahsoka. Sabine, like Hull, has found her purpose and is now using the force in powerful ways.

Off the court, Clark's impact on the league cannot be overstated. The Indiana Fever average over 17,000 fans a game, compared to over 4,000 last season. In terms of viewership, the Fever have 26 of the top 30 most-watched games this season. Clark has brought in new and engaged fans worldwide. Her jersey is the top-selling in the league.

Ahsoka had 14 million viewers in its first episode. It was the second most watched streaming series in the US for the week of September 3rd. The character of Ahsoka herself has brought in new and engaged younger fans to the franchise. Ashley Eckstein, who voiced the character in animated form, has started a fashion label, Her Universe, which has many Ashoka-related products.

The series recently won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes for its work. Clark herself is on pace to win Rookie of the Year in 2024. She will more than likely be voted as one of the top five players in the league.

In my home sits a painting of Ahsoka from the Season 2 episode of The Mandalorian: The Jedi. As my daughter and I continue to watch the WNBA and Caitlin Clark, maybe we will add a new piece of artwork to the home—something of Clark and the Fever that is equally as groundbreaking as Ahsoka.