By Pat Harty

IOWA CITY, Iowa – To the surprise of nobody familiar with the WNBA draft, former Iowa All-America guard Caitlin Clark was selected first overall by the Indiana Fever.

The draft was held Monday at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City.

ESPN reported that the event sold out in just 15 minutes.

Clark is the first Hawkeye to be selected first overall in the WNBA draft, and she is believed to be just the second Hawkeye to be picked first overall in any draft.

Former Iowa quarterback Randy Duncan was taken first overall in the 1959 NFL draft, according to the Iowa football media guide.

“I got a little anxious there before the pick, but I think more than anything just grateful and lucky to have my family here and friends over there and coaches up here I think just enjoying the moment,” Clark said on ESPN. “I dreamed of this moment since I was in second grade and it’s taken a lot of hard work and a lot of ups and downs. But more than anything, just trying to soak it in.”

Former Iowa guard Kate Martin was also selected the in the draft as the Las Vegas Aces picked her in the second round, and with the 18th pick overall.

Former Iowa All-America center Megan Gustafson is also a member of the Aces.

Clark, a 6-foot guard from West Des Moines, joins the WNBA after a record-breaking college career in which she set the all-time scoring record for both men and women.

She also became a sports phenomenon as fans from across the nation have been inspired by her success and by her jaw-dropping statistics.

Clark led Iowa to an NCAA runner-up finish as a junior and senior, and to three Big Ten Tournament titles.

She also had over 1,000 assists in college, and is arguably a better passer than shooter, even with her ability make logo 3s.

Clark is the 15th former Iowa player to be selected in the WNBA draft since its inception in 1997. She is also the third-ever Iowa player chosen in the first round, joining Toni Foster (1997, Phoenix Mercury) and Samantha Logic (2015, Atlanta Dream).

Clark’s impact already is being felt in the WNBA as the Indiana Fever will have 32 of its 36 games televised this season after having just one game televised last season.

Clark will join an Indiana lineup that includes former South Carolina All-America center Aliyah Boston and former Ohio State guard Kelsey Mitchell.

She was asked what she will bring immediately to the Fever to help them win.

“I think the biggest thing is they have such a good roster and that’s what I’m excited about,” Clark said. “They’re a winning franchise and I’m excited to get there, and I’m excited to get to Indianapolis.”

Indiana Fever ticket sales have sky-rocketed with Clark set to join the organization.

“You’ve got to buy your tickets now,” Clark said. “I know it’ll be a hot ticket.”