Women’s basketball has been gaining significant attention in 2024, prompting the release of a new series that follows three up-and-coming stars in the game, including NCAA all-time leading scorer Caitlin Clark. The show will premiere all four episodes on ABC this weekend, with episodes one and two airing on Saturday followed by episodes three and four on Sunday. This comes just before the start of the WNBA season and all four episodes will be available to stream on ESPN+.
The series focuses on Clark, the senior guard at Iowa, South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso, whose team defeated Clark’s in the women’s final last month, and UCLA sophomore guard Kiki Rice. Cameras follow these players throughout the college preseason, regular season, and postseason, culminating in the recent WNBA Draft. Directed by Kristen Lappas and produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and Words & Pictures in collaboration with ESPN+.
The idea for the series stemmed from Manning’s close relationship with Clark, who was the first athlete to commit to the show. Lappas, the director, aimed to select elite players from top teams with compelling backstories and diverse challenges. They chose players from different backgrounds, including Cardoso’s journey from Brazil to becoming a top WNBA draft pick and Rice’s upbringing in a political family in D.C. Despite their differences, they all shared the goal of bringing a national title to their respective schools.
Lappas emphasized the relatability of these athletes, highlighting that despite their media attention, they are still college students navigating life. The series captures intimate moments, such as producer Hannah Beir’s tradition of picking up breakfast for Clark before shoots, showcasing her down-to-earth nature. Clark’s mother still helps her with chores when she visits, highlighting Clark’s poise and maturity at just 22 years old. The series aims to humanize these athletes and show the challenges they face as female collegiate athletes in 2024.
The series provides an inside look at the lives of these three athletes, showing the dedication and hard work they put into their careers. Clark, Cardoso, and Rice each have their own unique journey and aspirations, but they all share a passion for the game and a desire to make an impact on women’s basketball. The diverse backgrounds and stories of these players add depth and complexity to the narrative, showcasing the different paths that lead to success in the sport.
By following these athletes from their college seasons to the WNBA Draft, the series captures the highs and lows of their careers, as well as the challenges they face on and off the court. The show aims to inspire a new generation of female athletes and shed light on the realities of being a collegiate athlete in the modern world. With a mix of personal stories, athletic achievements, and behind-the-scenes footage, “Full Court Press” provides a comprehensive look at the journey of these rising stars in women’s basketball.