Fresh off being named TIME’s Athlete of the Year, Caitlin Clark was also named AP Athlete of the Year alongside MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. However, in the aftermath of her public recognition, there has come even greater scrutiny, and for the WNBA star, navigating the limelight has been anything but simple.

The Indiana Fever rookie has become a lightning rod for race, privilege, and representation debates in the WNBA and beyond. Her statement weeks back acknowledging both her privilege and the need for greater recognition of Black players sparked heated discourse.

A good stance

It hasn’t been the easiest first year for Clark in the WNBA. On the court, she faced more than her fair share of aggressive fouls and trash talk—sometimes crossing the line into outright hostility. It’s even worse when you go to social media. There are debates about her privilege, style of play, and role in the league that have often devolved into toxic chaos.

Yet, the 22-year-old point guard has rarely, if ever, engaged in the negativity. That has gotten her praise from many enthusiasts, including WNBA legend Rebecca Lobo.

“I would say she’s navigated it almost flawlessly,” Lobo said. “She hasn’t had any big missteps or misspeaks at a time you’re under constant scrutiny. “She’s seemed to say and do all the right things. That’s just incredible at a time when it’s constant attention and scrutiny. She has not done anything to tarnish this sort of mild persona she has.”

CC faces a double-edged sword. She’s the white face of a league predominantly represented by Black athletes—a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Critics argue that her endorsements, which have already raked in tens of millions, are emblematic of systemic bias, where white athletes are often given disproportionate attention and opportunities.

While she makes that much, WNBA players, even seasoned veterans, are forced to play overseas to supplement their incomes due to the league’s notoriously low salaries. However, many suggest that the players have the Indiana superstar to thank, as WNBA salaries are expected to experience a surge in the near future.

The disparity

It’s a challenging situation for the league. Clark has the talents and is a trailblazer, no doubt, but her rise also means that players constantly feel left out in financial gains. While some critics take issue with her rapid ascent to superstardom, others point out the systemic problems that have existed long before her time. She’s simply playing the hand she was dealt—and playing it exceptionally well.

Of course, things will change as she advances in her career, but her ability to stay calm, humble, and focused under a microscope will be key to taking the WNBA to greater heights.