On Her Game
⭐ ⭐
On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports by Christine Brennan
Christine Brennan’s On Her Game sets out to chronicle the meteoric rise of Caitlin Clark, one of the most electrifying figures in women’s basketball. And in the book’s best moments, Brennan delivers just that: a clear, detailed, and enthusiastic recap of Clark’s college dominance at Iowa and her transition into the WNBA. For readers looking to revisit Clark’s jaw-dropping performances, record-breaking milestones, and cultural impact on the sport, Brennan provides a solid, if not particularly groundbreaking, overview.
Unfortunately, the book frequently veers away from its subject and reads like a running list of Brennan’s career accomplishments, as she seems determined to remind readers of her own role in the sports media landscape. The narrative is peppered with anecdotes about how she broke major stories, went viral on social media, or received praise for her coverage. The constant self-referencing only distracts from the central figure of the book and begins to feel less like context and more like self-congratulation.
The final third of the book shifts even further, as Brennan spends significant time defending herself against critics and controversies. While some readers might find this behind-the-scenes view of sports media intriguing, it feels out of place in what is marketed as a book about Caitlin Clark. It becomes more of a personal justification than a continuation of Clark’s story. Instead of closing with an insightful reflection on Clark’s impact or future, the book ends on a defensive note that undercuts its strongest material.
In the end, On Her Game is part biography and part media defense. It’s an uneven mix that occasionally hits the mark but too often loses focus. Caitlin Clark’s journey deserves the spotlight; unfortunately, Brennan too often steps in front of it.
