In a candid moment ahead of the Indiana Fever’s matchup with the Connecticut Sun, Caitlin Clark peeled back the curtain on what it’s really like being the face of a league, the center of attention, and still only in her second year as a professional athlete.
For many, the WNBA All-Star weekend is all about celebration and spectacle. But for Clark, it’s also a time of reflection, responsibility, and trying to hold on to the joy that made her fall in love with basketball in the first place.
Pressure From All Sides
At just 22, Caitlin Clark is already one of the most talked-about names in women’s basketball. Her name trends, her stats get dissected, and her every move—on or off the court—sparks headlines.
“You kind of just take it as it goes,” Clark said, when asked about living in the spotlight. “You learn from it. I don’t want to say I get used to it, but you accept that this is just how it is. People will praise you. People will criticize you. And you can’t control any of that.”
What you can control, she says, is how you respond.
“It’s easy to forget that I have higher expectations for myself than anybody else,” she added. “That can get lost sometimes.”
Finding Joy Again
With non-stop games, travel, media duties, and league events like the upcoming CBA negotiations, burnout is a very real concern. But Clark’s strategy is simple: carve out moments, however small, to breathe.
“It’s not like I have much off time,” she said with a laugh. “But I’ll take 15 minutes in the morning with a coffee or go for a walk outside—those tiny resets really matter.”
For Clark, it’s not always about basketball. Whether it’s trying new restaurants with teammates like Lexie Hull or scrolling TikTok to discover the best hidden spots in a new city, she’s making a conscious effort to enjoy the journey.
“You gotta keep it fun and enjoyable,” she said. “Otherwise, what’s the point?”
Shooting Without the Pressure
One of the highlights of Clark’s All-Star weekend will be her first-ever appearance in the WNBA’s 3-point contest, hosted right in Indiana.
“I’ve never done one before. Never even practiced for it,” she said, laughing. “So I’m just going out there to have fun. It’s really not that deep. It’s just a ball, a hoop, and a rack.”
Clark also addressed the rumors that she didn’t want to participate in a contest involving shooting from racks—a format often used in pro competitions.
“That narrative was made up,” she clarified. “I was saving my first competition for my home city. That was always the plan.”
It’s a moment that blends both personal and professional pride: performing in front of home fans, while also representing a sport and league that’s still growing its place in the national spotlight.
Off the Court, Big Conversations
Amid the festivities, Clark also noted the significance of the upcoming CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) negotiations happening in Indianapolis. While she’s not a team representative, she remains highly engaged.
“This is an important time for our league,” she said. “We all want to be involved in shaping where it goes next.”
With a rising profile and growing influence, Clark’s voice will undoubtedly play a key role in how the WNBA moves forward on issues of compensation, player support, and the future of the league.
Soaking It All In
Despite the packed schedule, Clark tries to savor each new experience. This week, that included playing in Boston for the first time.
“Honestly, this is my first time in the city,” she said. “If you’re a basketball fan, you know the Celtics. You can feel the history here.”
Though she didn’t get to catch a Red Sox game, Clark joked about checking TikTok for ideas on what to do in Boston—just in case. “I love seeing new cities, new fans, and soaking in the culture,” she said. “It makes it all worth it.”
Beyond the Game
While Caitlin Clark’s on-court talent is undeniable, what stands out most in her words is a quiet determination to stay grounded. Fame, expectations, and pressure may swirl around her—but at her core, she’s still someone who loves the game, wants to have fun, and is learning to give herself grace.
As she steps into her first 3-point contest, hosts fans in her city, and witnesses pivotal conversations that could shape the league’s future, Clark isn’t just playing basketball. She’s helping define what it means to be a modern sports icon—flawed, funny, self-aware, and fully human.
