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Tag: Indiana Fever

  • Caitlin Clark's birthday tribute from Connor McCaffery takes fans by surprise

    Caitlin Clark's birthday tribute from Connor McCaffery takes fans by surprise

    WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark, fresh off a stellar Rookie of the Year season with the Indiana Fever, celebrated her 23rd birthday this week. While Clark’s on-court achievements have captivated fans, her personal life has been in the spotlight as well, thanks to a heartfelt gesture from her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery.

    McCaffery, an assistant coach for Butler men’s basketball, shared a touching birthday post on Instagram that showcased a different side of the power couple. Accompanying a series of personal photos, his message praised Clark not only for her basketball brilliance but also for her ability to inspire those around her.

    Caitlin Clark breaks unwritten rule at end of big win and gets a reaction from opponent

    “Happy 23rd CC,” McCaffery wrote. “Finally we’re celebrating together this year! You have an incredible ability to inspire and lift up those around you, and I am lucky to learn from you every day. Thank you for always being you. I love you.”

    The couple seem to be thriving of late

    This rare glimpse into their relationship comes after the couple was recently spotted enjoying their offseason at various sporting events, including an NBA G-League game and a professional volleyball match with the Indy Ignite. At the volleyball game, Clark surprised fans with an impromptu team photo, a move that further endeared her to those in attendance.

    Despite her jam-packed schedule, Clark has managed to balance her time between relaxing with McCaffery and maintaining her athletic presence. During her rookie WNBA season, she made waves by averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, solidifying herself as one of the league’s rising stars.

    As Clark and McCaffery savor the offseason together, fans are already speculating about what’s next for the dynamic guard when she returns to the hardwood. For now, though, her birthday celebration and McCaffery’s touching words are giving fans plenty to admire about the couple off the court.



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  • Keith Porter, Caitlin Clark's coach warns the entire WNBA of what's coming next season

    Keith Porter, Caitlin Clark's coach warns the entire WNBA of what's coming next season

    The expectations for Caitlin Clark continue to rise. Her huge rookie season is historic, and at just 22 years old, she is already writing her name in gold letters in the WNBA.

    All this media hype is due to her success in college basketball, her impact on the audience, her records in the WNBA at such a young age, the pressure and expectations will only grow.

    Caitlin Clark shines in first workout with new Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White

    No wonder she is slowly becoming a role model for young women who want to make a name for themselves in women’s sports.

    Clark’s era is just beginning

    Keith Porter, the Indiana Fever’s athlete development coach, shared his expectations for the star point guard in a conversation with Courtside Club:

    “My goals for Caitlin, I just want her to destroy everything. I want to give her the extra tools that the way teams used to play her, you can’t do that anymore. You can’t force her to take those shots,” he said.

    “I just want her to be super comfortable in any scenario, any coverage, whatever it is, and just destroy teams, right? You know, the ultimate goal is a championship,” Porter said.

    The coach didn’t go into much detail, but the goal is very clear, they want Caitlin to be in her prime for the start of the second season and Keith is confident they can achieve that, it is also important to add that at the end of the day the championship is more important than individual performances, and of course they are a team working towards the same goal.

    Caitlin working overtime in the gym

    Indiana Fever fans have noticed a change in Clark‘s physical appearance over the past month, as Porter confirmed that the WNBA star has been spending a lot of time in the gym over the break. Caitlin has put on a lot of muscle and there is no doubt that if the season started tomorrow, she would be ready to compete.

    It’s true, it’s still a few months away, but it seems that Clark has only the next season in mind and isn’t interested in much else, including the million dollar contract he was offered for joining the Unrivaled League. It seems that he is looking forward to starting again and dazzling everyone with his enormous skills.



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  • Caitlin Clark carries the weight of expectation and criticism as basketball's biggest rising star

    Caitlin Clark carries the weight of expectation and criticism as basketball's biggest rising star

    Caitlin Clark’s rookie year in the WNBA was remarkable, but it has also come with an overwhelming wave of criticism, as is the case with any successful athlete. While her incredible performances – averaging 20 points, leading the league with 8.4 assists and 6 rebounds per game – have earned her accolades like Rookie of the Year and Time’s Athlete of the Year, Clark has also faced relentless hatred and stalking from fans. Much of this stems from her meteoric rise as one of the most promising figures in the league and the sport. Fans, veterans, and even fellow players have added to the scrutiny, questioning her every move while she focuses solely on basketball, or so she conveys.

    How Caitlin Clark Handles the Pressure

    The viership, marketing and sales numbers she’s brought to the WNBA have been historic, and her influence will surely bring better players out of college to further strengthen the league. But with that comes pressure. On the Courtside Club podcast, host Rachel DeMita highlighted the immense pressure Clark faces: “I’m sure she gets weird messages on a daily basis, she gets hateful messages, she gets trolled… I feel like she’s carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders while just trying to play basketball as a 22-year-old.” DeMita praised Clark’s composure, noting that she consistently ignores negativity and stays focused on her game – a strategy that is crucial to navigating the intense attention she is under, again, she is only 22 so she will grow with pressure throughout her basketball career as a pro.

    In a league where attention can quickly turn to hostility, Clark has become a polarizing figure. But her ability to block out the noise and stay focused speaks volumes. As Rachel DeMita aptly put it, “The best way to deal with trolls, to deal with someone who is threatening you…is not to respond.” Clark’s resilience and determination is what truly sets her apart and proves that she belongs among the league’s elite. Angel Reese also has these types of issues; Reese is much more active on social media, so she deals with these issues much more often. In fact, a few days ago she shut down her Instagram for a few days, I guess to get away from these attacks that she receives every day.

    Clark’s Second Season Promises More

    This upcoming season, which will run until May, Clark and the Indiana Fever will have a new head coach in Stephanie White. White was the head coach the last time the Fever reached the Finals in 2016 and was also the WNBA Coach of the Year in 2023. More bench experience will come in handy for Caitlin Clark’s game, I have no doubt Clark will get her first playoff win in 2025. For now, while 36 players will participate in the new Unrivaled League, including Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu and Angel Reese, Clark will continue to train privately and prepare for her second season in the WNBA.



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  • Caitlin Clark felt “very scared” and had to change her appearance in public to stay safe from her stalker

    Caitlin Clark felt “very scared” and had to change her appearance in public to stay safe from her stalker

    The harassment of female athletes has reached alarming levels, with the recent cases involving WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese bringing the issue into sharper focus.

    Both players have become victims of disturbing behavior that highlights a broader problem within sports and society.

    Clark has endured a terrifying ordeal involving a stalker from Texas named Michael Lewis. The man allegedly bombarded her with explicit messages and threats via social media, boasting about “driving around your house 3x a day” and planning to “sit behind the bench” at her games.

    “@CaitlinClark22 been driving around your house 3x a day..but don’t call the law just yet, the publc is allowed to drive by gainbridge..aka Caitlin’s Fieldhouse,” Lewis said in a message to Clark on X.

    Authorities linked the messages to IP addresses at a hotel and library in Indianapolis, leading to his arrest and subsequent charge with Level 5 felony stalking. This charge could result in a prison sentence of one to six years and a fine of up to $10,000.

    Clark admitted the ordeal made her “very fearful,” forcing her to change her public appearances to ensure her safety. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears praised her bravery in coming forward, emphasizing that reporting such incidents requires immense courage.

    “It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t,” Mears stated.

    Reese and AI-Generated harassment

    Clark‘s experience mirrors that of Reese, another prominent WNBA star who revealed last year that she had been targeted by disturbing AI-generated nude images sent to her family members.

    Reese, who has been vocal about her experiences, condemned the behavior of certain fans while praising her on-court rival Caitlin Clark.

    “These experiences go beyond the rivalry. This is about the safety and dignity of athletes,” Reese shared during a podcast. Her ordeal highlights how advancing technology, like AI, is being weaponized to harm individuals, particularly women in the public eye.



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  • Caitlin Clark put on a mask in front of Jason and Travis Kelce to not seem above them: Why did she do that?

    Caitlin Clark put on a mask in front of Jason and Travis Kelce to not seem above them: Why did she do that?

    WNBA star Caitlin Clark made a splash on the New Heights podcast, hosted by NFL stars and brothers Travis and Jason Kelce. Clark offered a fresh perspective on a variety of topics, surprising fans with her depth of knowledge and charm. From sharing her WNBA journey to diving into her passion for football, the episode painted a fuller picture of the dynamic athlete.

    While Caitlin Clark’s basketball prowess has earned her a loyal fan base, her football fandom took center stage during the podcast. A self-proclaimed Kansas City Chiefs supporter, Clark bonded with Travis Kelce over her admiration for his team. She also shared her experience attending a Taylor Swift concert, an event that connected her to a pop culture phenomenon many fans associate with Kelce.

    Beyond the lighthearted conversations, Clark didn’t shy away from discussing her career in the WNBA. She reflected on the challenges of living up to the enormous expectations placed on her as a rising star in the league.

    “He’s taught me a lot. Probably unknowingly to him,” Clark shared, emphasizing the value of perseverance in overcoming personal and professional hurdles.

    Showing off her football IQ

    The highlight of the episode, however, came when Clark revealed her strong football knowledge. In an exchange that delighted both the Kelce brothers and fans, she spoke fluently about teams such as the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks, the NFL Draft, and even standout college football quarterback Drew Allar. Her casual yet informed insights made it clear that she’s more than just a casual football fan.

    Clark, however, chose to downplay her expertise, leaving fans both impressed and curious about the depth of her football understanding.

    “When she doesn’t want you to know she knows more than you. Smart lady-people resent that sometimes,” a fan noted.

    Another observed: “She’s being humble about her knowledge. They probably went and told everyone how cool she is.”



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  • Old Dawn Staley tweet against Caitlin Clark resurfaces, setting fans ablaze again

    Old Dawn Staley tweet against Caitlin Clark resurfaces, setting fans ablaze again

    Fans have rushed to the defense of Caitlin Clark once again after the USC Gamecock’s head coach insisted the 22-year-old benefitted from the referees when she was competing in college basketball, in an old post.

    The social media post relates to when Molly Davis won a foul call and made two of her free-throw shots, which later teed up Clark to make a buzzer-beating effort to defeat the Michigan State Spartans to become one of the highlights of her NCAA career.

    Caitlin Clark turns red on Kelce brothers’ podcast

    And whilst the resurfaced tweet is over a year out of date now but that didn’t stop upset fans coming for the scalp of Dawn Staley after she insisted the Iowa Hawkeyes got lucky with one of the ref’s calls.

    “Heckava shot but give the game ball to the ref for the shooting foul call,” Staley‘s X.com (formerly Twitter) post from January 2024 read, with three shrugging emojis at the end to go with it.

    Fans were not exactly best pleased as they took to X.com to vent their frustrations at Staley‘s comment which, again, is over a year old and the game itself is over two years old.

    One user commented, “Staley is the OG op and I will never be persuaded otherwise–she is not the good person she pretends to be.”

    A second said, “She’s very unlikable and her eventual fall will be enjoyable….”

    And a third suggested Staley is why Clark didn’t make the cut for the 2024 Olympic Games by writing, “Olympic selection committee member, Dawn Staley.”

    However some fans actually did defend her by insisting that the call was bad and she was just giving her thoughts on the game.

    Others did point out, though, that for a rival head coach to do so was inappropriate and can carry a $25,000 fine.

    When is Caitlin Clark back?

    After inspiring the Fever to a .500 record in her rookie campaign in 2024, Caitlin Clark will next be back on the basketball court to take on the Chicago Sky on May 17 on her home court in Indianapolis.

    The Fever will look to go beyond the First Round of the WNBA Playoffs in 2025 under the tutelage of Stephanie White, who joins the team from the Connecticut Sun.



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  • Caitlin Clark puts aside her modest side and raises her ceiling in 2025 with a message that excites everyone

    Caitlin Clark puts aside her modest side and raises her ceiling in 2025 with a message that excites everyone

    It is fair to say that 2024 was a year that Caitlin Clark will never forget, with the Iowa Hawkeyes graduate becoming one of the most known players in the WNBA, turning out each week for the Indiana Fever.

    On her road to the top, Clark became the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader, passing former LSU Tigers star Pete Maravich (3,667) and finishing her college career with 3,951.

    Caitlin Clark has a joyful response when she signs autographs for her youngest fans ever

    Caitlin Clark has a joyful response when she signs autographs for her youngest fans ever

    Clark became the No.1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft which is a remarkable achievement and it was immediately clear that she was only going to get better.

    She has led the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016 and broken many rookie records along the way including the most assists in a season and the most points by a rookie, all while being named to the All-WNBA first team.

    Clearly, Clark knows that 2024 has been a year of success and she decided to mark the end of it with a post on Instagram showcasing her achievements, whilst hinting at her desire for more success in 2025.

    “My fav moments from the best year,” Clark captioned her post. “Time to make 2025 even better.”

    Clark has plenty of admirers

    Plenty of people from the sporting world joined in the celebrations with Clark, leaving comments underneath the post.

    “What a year,” Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin said.

    “Best year ever,” Los Angeles Sparks forward Cam Brink wrote.

    “can’t wait for the tunnel fits in 2025,” added former Iowa star Gabbie Marshall.

    “Only going up from here!!!” commented Kristin Juszczyk.



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  • WNBA fans defend Caitlin Clark after losing AP votes to controversial Olympic boxer

    WNBA fans defend Caitlin Clark after losing AP votes to controversial Olympic boxer

    Caitlin Clark’s stellar debut WNBA season earned her the Associated Press (AP) Rookie of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year honors in 2024. While the latter accolade was expected after Clark’s meteoric rise, it wasn’t without controversy, as a few votes went to other athletes, including Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif, whose Paris Olympics performance stirred public debate.

    Clark secured 35 of the 74 votes from AP journalists, while Biles received 25. Khelif placed third with four votes, despite widespread criticism surrounding her inclusion in the voting due to controversies related to gender debates during her Olympic run. The voting sparked a passionate response from WNBA fans, many of whom took to social media to defend Clark’s win and criticize the panel’s decisions.

    Caitlin Clark has a joyful response when she signs autographs for her youngest fans ever

    “Khelif getting any votes is absurd,” one fan wrote, referencing the backlash surrounding Khelif’s participation in women’s boxing. Others expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the votes, with one quipping, “Must’ve been Caitlin Clark’s ‘privilege’ that got her named Female Athlete of the Year-because dominating the court and redefining women’s basketball isn’t enough anymore.”

    Clark, who addressed issues of race and privilege in her TIME Athlete of the Year profile, has faced polarized reactions from fans. While many praised her for using her platform to support Black athletes, others criticized her comments as unnecessary or performative. “CC disappointed me with her white privilege crap, but she is very talented. Glad to see an actual woman win this award,” one social media user posted.

    Caitlin Clark’s historic impact on Women’s Basketball

    Despite the drama, Clark’s impact on women’s basketball is undeniable. ESPN analyst and former AP Female Athlete of the Year Rebecca Lobo praised Clark for bringing unprecedented attention to the WNBA. “She’s elevated the sport in a way we’ve never seen before,” Lobo told AP, adding that Clark’s composure under scrutiny has been remarkable.

    Clark’s Indiana Fever team shattered attendance records, averaging over 17,000 fans per game, while the WNBA saw a 48% overall increase in attendance compared to the previous season. Her Rookie of the Year campaign was capped by game-changing performances that drew millions of viewers, bolstering the league’s profile.

    The uproar over the voting also highlights ongoing cultural debates in sports, with some fans expressing frustration at the inclusion of athletes like Khelif in categories traditionally reserved for women (even if she is one).

    As Clark continues to shine, the controversy underscores her dual role as an athlete and cultural figure navigating the complexities of modern sports.



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  • Shohei Ohtani and Caitlin Clark top list of most influential athletes

    Shohei Ohtani and Caitlin Clark top list of most influential athletes

    The year 2024 has been an exceptional one for American sports, as not only have leagues and teams generated great profits, but athletes, individually, have multiplied their earnings thanks to contracts and earnings off the field through their commercial arrangements.

    When basketball player Caitlin Clark won TIME’s Athlete of the Year, many thought the title should have gone to Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani, but now it seems the two mega athletes have found common ground thanks to their earnings, according to essentiallysports.com.

    Caitlin Clark shines in first workout with new Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White

    Sports Business Journal (SBJ) published its list of the most influential people in the sports business and at the top are Clark and Ohtani, who SBJ describes as “newcomers”.

    Others include Elliott Hill, Michele Kang, Pat McAfee, Egon Durban, Greg Mondre and Edward Rogers. SBJ makes it clear that no name is at the top and the list is not ranked.

    Ohtani and Clark’s salaries are diametrically opposed

    Although Ohtani’s $700 million contract with the Dodgers was just surpassed by Juan Soto’s $765 million deal with the Mets, the Japanese star remains one of the highest-earning athletes in sports.

    His net worth currently stands at $85.3 million, according to Forbes.

    While Clark’s salary in the WNBA is $76,535 for 2024, as part of a four-year, $338,056 contract.

    Shohei Ohtani: Raising the bar for american Baseball with Japanese culture

    However, it is their sponsors and other deals that have helped propel their names onto this list.

    Indiana Fever Gaurd, the WNBA team Clark plays for, currently sponsors brands such as Nike, Goldman Sachs, Wilson, Gatorade, State Farm, Gainbridge, and more.

    Ohtani and Clark steal the spotlight in professional sports

    However, despite all the attention she attracted to the WNBA this year, many thought that the TIME honor should have gone to the World Series-winning Dodgers baseball player.

    After all, not everyone can sign a record-breaking contract never seen before in all sports, in addition to winning the MLB MVP, and then lead their team to the World Series.

    In addition, Ohtani made history by inaugurating the 50/50 club in MLB (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases).

    Shohei Ohtani is clearly in a league of his own and he wasn’t even pitching this year. However, it could be similarly argued that no one has had a better rookie season than the WNBA Rookie of the Year, nor has anyone singularly affected the sport quite like No. 22 has.

    Since Ohtani burst onto the scene, he has been hyped and lived up to it spectacularly. An outstanding player in Japan in 2017, his arrival as a two-way player was sure to mark a shift in the way baseball was played in the United States, and so it proved.

    But it’s been like this for more than eight years. In that almost decade, no one gets tired of talking about the Japanese marvel, while Caitlin Clark is slightly different, newer and her fame is not even half a decade old.

    Before that, she was a collegiate sensation with Iowa and has just finished her first season as a professional athlete.

    “I don’t know what athlete had a better year than her. What athlete? Tell me, I’m listening,” Ma$se said on the Come and Talk 2 Me podcast.

    “She took a college team that didn’t have anybody to the NCAA Championship. Then she took a team that hadn’t been in the playoffs in years in Indiana to the playoffs. Then she broke all the WNBA rookie records along the way while doing it,” he added.

    Leaving aside the overall success of the teams (because a player can only do so much for herself if her team does not help equally), the impact of Caitlin Clark has been singular for many observers, and she has just finished her first year.



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  • WNBA players suggest Caitlin Clark 'park' basketball and make a surprising career move

    WNBA players suggest Caitlin Clark 'park' basketball and make a surprising career move

    Caitlin Clark continues to redefine excellence in sports, becoming the first WNBA player to be named TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year.

    While this recognition cements her status as a trailblazer in basketball, it has also sparked an unexpected conversation: could modeling be her next move?

    Caitlin Clark’s nasty crossovers and superb shooting are some of the reasons why she was named TIME’s Athlete of the Year

    The 22-year-old Indiana Fever star, who is celebrated for her remarkable skills on the court, shared her TIME feature on Instagram with the caption “TIME Athlete of the Year” and gave a nod to the creative team behind the shoot.

    The announcement drew admiration from fans and public figures alike, with comments highlighting her influence both on and off the court.

    “Not female athlete of the year, ATHLETE OF THE YEAR. Goat!” one fan enthused, while another remarked, “Hot, smart, and talented?! What can’t you do?”

    Celebrities also chimed in, with Gracie Hunt, heiress to the Kansas City Chiefs, calling Clark “so deserving,” and Kristin Juszczyk adding, “Well deserved!”

    Clark‘s recognition wasn’t just a moment of celebration but also an opportunity for her peers to suggest a surprising career pivot.

    Gabbie Marshall, Clark‘s former Iowa teammate, commented, “Maybe it’s TIME to get into modeling?????” and even shared the sentiment on her Instagram story with a proud message.

    Other WNBA stars joined in the playful suggestions. Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty chimed in with, “A MF model,” while Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink added, “Congrats, model,” in a nod to the TIME feature.

    These comments highlight not only Clark’s commanding presence on the court but also her growing influence in pop culture.

    Her peers’ lighthearted remarks reflect how Clark’s charisma and elegance make her a natural fit for the modeling world, adding another dimension to her already inspiring story.

    A Stellar Year for Clark

    This accolade follows a groundbreaking rookie season in the WNBA. Clark was named the 2024 Rookie of the Year, became an All-Star, and secured a spot on the All-WNBA First Team.

    Her contributions to the league’s immense growth are undeniable, with many crediting her for bringing unprecedented attention to women’s basketball.

    Clark‘s TIME honor and the buzz surrounding it underscore her unique ability to connect with audiences, whether through her athletic prowess or her off-court persona.

    As her career continues to soar, fans and peers alike will eagerly watch to see where she leaves her mark next-be it on the basketball court or in the world of fashion.



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