NBA Banter, New York, NY (2024)

11/07/2024

Caitlin Clark’s production and panache make her a women’s basketball ambassador, a role she embraces
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Her likeness was sculptured out of butter at the state fair and a tribute to her was a highlight for an Iowa marching band football halftime show.
She was the main draw when she played golf in the pro-am event ahead of the PGA Tour’s nearby John Deere Classic and she greeted thousands of fans at both an IndyCar race and a minor-league baseball game, where a line began forming 10 hours ahead of time and wrapped around the stadium.
She helped teammates build a Habitat For Humanity house, led a fund-raiser for a local food pantry and hosted a basketball camp for 600 kids that sold out in four hours.
Oh, she also joined teammates on a 12-day tour of Italy and Croatia, made an ad for Nike and went to New York to pick up the Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the United States.

11/07/2024

Caitlin Clark tells '60 Minutes' how ripping up the family's lawn led to her unusual 3-point range
Ever since her days at Iowa, Caitlin Clark's unique shooting range has captivated audiences and terrified opponents. She's a threat from the second she crosses halfcourt, which warps the defense and opens up space for her to use her brilliant playmaking skills to set up teammates.
During an appearance on CBS' 60 Minutes on Sunday, Clark told Jon Wertheim the story of how she started developing her long-range shot. After returning home from a trip to see the Minnesota Lynx play as a kid, she convinced her dad to do a construction project.
Clark: Like begging my dad to, like, tear up some grass and pour more concrete so I could have an entire three-point line in my driveway.
Wertheim: Did that really happen? You-- you extended your range--
Clark: Oh yeah.
Wertheim: --by dumpin' more concrete?
Clark: Yeah. 'cause it was, like, kind of slanted. Our driveway was, like, slanted, so I only had a three-point line on one side of the driveway. So… told my dad he had to tear up all this grass, and he did.
While Clark made her biggest mark as a playmaker during her historic rookie season, she also led the league in 3-point attempts (355), makes (122) and finished 30th in percentage (34.4). Many of them came from well behind the arc.
The WNBA 3-point line is 22 feet, 1 and 3/4 inches. Clark took 5.7 attempts per game from 25-plus feet, which led the league by a wide margin, and shot 34.4% on those efforts. She also took 51 shots from 30-34 feet, and made 33.3% of them. The only other player in the league even in double figures in attempts from that distance was Sabrina Ionescu with 13.
She said she has to earn the right to launch from back there.
Clark: I only shoot from back there in games if I've, like, made a couple. Then you get a free pass to, like, launch-- launch a long three.
Wertheim: So that's a free pass with the coach? Or that's a free pass with yourself, with your own basketball values--
Clark: Both, both, both.
Clark doesn't know her exact range, which she contends is actually a benefit, but admitted that she likes to get a sense for where the logo is on each court.
Wertheim: What would you say your range is?
Clark: I don't know. Sometimes I -- I feel like I'm closer than I -- than I am. Like, I don't feel that far back, especially in a game. I don't know. I kinda just lose sight of where I actually am, which is probably a good thing.
Wertheim: But you know you're, like, one dribble past mid-court sometimes.
Clark: Yeah, couple dribbles past mid-court.
Wertheim voice-over: Part of her process: gauging the distance … this isn't like shooting a free throw. Logos vary court-to-court.
Clark: Like I would always wanna see how big the logo is. 'Cause, like, some people have, like, bigger logos at center court, some have smaller ones. So it's, like, if it's pretty big, I can usually get there.
For the first time in more than 11 months, Clark will finally get an extended break after the Fever were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round by the Connecticut Sun. We saw how much she improved after the Olympic break, and after a full offseason it will be no surprise if she comes back even better.
If that means raising her 3-point percentage even higher, that's bad news for the rest of the league.

11/07/2024

Clark does everything right, O'Neal said to Sports Illustrated. "I never spoke about her before because
Angel is my girl but I can truthfully say Caitlin Clark is for real." “I'm watching her play, and I'm trying to
be upset but she makes the right pass, makes the right play. Girls try to beat her up, but she doesn't really
complain," he admitted. "She's a great one, even early on”. She's the real deal. “Much respect to her and
her family the way she grew up and the way she plays. All little girls should watch all the WNBA players
play but those two are my favorite." Fever vs Dream 4:00pm Today
Indiana Fever WNBA Caitlin Clark is making believers out of all the non-believers ending the "white hype" nonsense 🏀👍🥰

11/07/2024

Indiana Fever Coach's Blunt Review of Caitlin Clark's WNBA Rookie Season
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever recently conducted their exit interviews from the 2024 WNBA season. After a few interviews with the players, reporters got a chance to speak with head coach Christie Sides.
Sides spoke on Clark in particular, mentioning that she has a lot of respect for the rookie. She explained that Clark will be leading the Fever for years to come as the established starting point guard in Indiana.
The Fever coach said she admires how Clark stays consistent in the process and has been a true professional at 22 years old.
"She has endured a lot this season and has handled it in the most professional way," Sides said. "She is our point guard and going to lead our team, but she never tips her hat. She stays the course and stays consistent. A lot of respect for her."
Throughout her rookie season, Clark averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds 8.4 assists per game. She led the rookie class in average points and assists, cementing herself as one of the best players in the WNBA in her first year as a pro.
Clark came into the league as the No. 1 overall pick, having immense pressure on her shoulders after holding the NCAA's all-time scoring record with 3,951 points.
Sides was coaching in her second season with the Fever. In her first year with the organization, Indiana ended the year with a 13-27 record.
After the acquisition of Clark, they secured 20 wins for the first time since 2015, ending the year with a 20-20 record. During her first year in the league, Clark helped take the Fever back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

11/07/2024

'The ball just kept going in.' With family courtside, Fever's Lexie Hull steals the show.
Caitlin Clark is a certified fan of Lexie Hull. Just minutes after Indiana's 92-75 win over the Seattle Storm on Sunday, Clark, who has become close with Hull since she joined the team, posted on X: "This is now a Lexie Hull fan account."
"My whole account will be about Lexie," Clark joked postgame. "I'm going to change my bio to Lexie Hull Fan Page."
Her declaration was following a trend — a lot of Fever fans likely became fans of Lexie Hull, too, after her career night gave the Fever their first win of the season over the Storm.
So far, Hull has had an up-and-down season. She was a full-time starter for the Fever in 2023, starting nearly every game and playing through a broken nose before she suffered a shoulder injury in August, keeping her out of the final month of the season.
This year, with the Fever adding Clark and wing Katie Lou Samuelson to the starting lineup, Hull transitioned to come off the bench this season. She struggled with confidence in her shot, especially coming off a shoulder injury, and sat on the bench for full games with multiple that were a DNP-Coach's Decision. Before Sunday's game, she was shooting 17-of-62 (27%) on the season.
But it was only a matter of time before she found her shot again. She worked her way back into the rotation with her defensive prowess, always taking the most difficult defensive assignment.
On Sunday, it all clicked.
Hull came off the bench and made an immediate impact, catching a ball from Clark in transition and laying it in for an easy basket. The duo did it again four minutes of game time later, giving Clark her second assist of the game — and the WNBA rookie assist record.
Hull's game didn't stop there — she hadn't even made a 3-pointer yet. Her two 3s in the first half marked just the fifth time in her 77-game career she had two or more treys in a game.
Then, she came alive in the fourth quarter. She made 3s on consecutive possessions with eight minutes left in the game, and the sold out Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd got rowdier each time. Four minutes later, she made two more 3s in quick succession — achieving a new career high of 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting (6-of-7 from 3), putting the Fever up by 12, and getting fans on their feet.
"We had just really good ball movement," Hull said. "Found the open person, got to our open spots, and knocked down shots ... the ball just kept going in. So, I mean, we feed off of that, feed off of each other, and was just a fun end of that game."
She was wide open for most of those shots, too. The Storm focused on the Fever's usual best 3-point shooters, Kelsey Mitchell (who went 5-of-8 from 3-point range) and Caitlin Clark (3-of-10), giving Hull ample space to catch fire.
"She had everybody fired up," coach Christie Sides said. "Everybody. I mean, Lexie Hull puts in the work, you know, she just needed to see the ball go in the hole. And once she found that, and she caught fire. And then we started looking for her. And, you know, we've got players out there that just draw so much attention. I mean, she was shooting some wide open 3s, and she put it in for us. So proud of her."
It was even more special for Hull as some of her loved ones, including her twin sister and grandma, traveled to see Hull play Sunday. Hull and her sister, Lacie, both played at Stanford from 2018-22, but Lacie didn't pursue a basketball career beyond her collegiate years.
Now, Lacie lives in Austin, Texas, while their grandmother still lives in their hometown of Spokane, Wash. To have a game like that, with family sitting courtside, made Hull's career game a magical experience.
"First of all, to get a win in front of anyone, it's great," Hull said. "To win in front of my grandma, who came all the way here from Spokane..."
"Shout out Cheryl," Clark interjected.
"Shout out Cheryl," Hull agreed, laughing. "And my sister came from Austin, it's amazing. To have them courtside was super cool, too, so really good, really good feeling tonight."
Maybe, for superstitious reasons, they'll need to sit courtside for the rest of the season."
"We might have to," Hull joked. "... We'll work on that."

11/07/2024

How A Child Prodigy Became A Generational Icon
Caitlin Clark has often been likened to the "Steph Curry of women’s basketball" for her unique impact on and off the court. From an early age, she stood out for her skill, personality, and social savvy, redefining the expectations of women’s basketball. Her journey to becoming an icon began long before she wore an Indiana Fever or Iowa Hawkeyes jersey—Clark's basketball prowess was evident as early as seventh grade, when she started receiving college offers.
Born on January 22, 2002, in Des Moines, Iowa, Caitlin grew up surrounded by athletes. Her father, Brent Clark, played both basketball and baseball at Simpson College, while her mother’s family had a history in high school football coaching. Her brothers, Blake and Colin, were also competitive athletes. Blake was a quarterback at Iowa State, and Colin excelled in basketball and track. Inspired by this environment, Caitlin embraced sports and quickly displayed her talents in various activities, from piano to volleyball, softball, and soccer.
Her commitment to basketball solidified in sixth grade, a decision that would set her on a path to national prominence. She joined the All Iowa Attack travel team and shared the court with future WNBA player Ashley Joens. Even while participating in soccer during high school, her focus remained on basketball, where she made remarkable strides. Playing for Dowling Catholic High School, Clark recorded impressive stats as a freshman and continued to rise, attracting scouts and coaches.
By her sophomore year, she averaged 27.3 points per game, earning her a spot on the All-State team. Her reputation only grew when she was selected for Team USA’s U16 FIBA Americas Championship. Although she faced a minor setback by not making the U17 World Cup team in 2018, her response was a record-breaking junior year. She averaged 32.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, winning her first Gatorade Player of the Year title. Her senior year performance surpassed all expectations, with 33.4 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, establishing her as one of Iowa’s most decorated high school players.
Despite initially committing to Notre Dame, Clark ultimately chose to play for Iowa. In her debut for the Hawkeyes on November 25, 2020, she scored 27 points, along with 8 rebounds and 4 assists, immediately setting the stage for an extraordinary college career. Her freshman season culminated with unanimous Big Ten Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten honors. She led Division I in scoring and became the first freshman to win the prestigious Dawn Staley Award.
Clark’s sophomore season was even more historic, with numerous records and accolades. She became the fastest player to reach 1,000 career points in Big Ten history, recorded back-to-back triple-doubles, and set a program record with 18 assists. Her consistent excellence earned her another Big Ten Player of the Year award and her second Dawn Staley Award.
In her junior season, Clark continued to break records, becoming the first college player to record a 40-point triple-double in March Madness. Although Iowa fell to LSU in the national title game, Clark’s impact on the sport had reached new heights, drawing record-breaking audiences and media attention. This momentum carried into her senior season, highlighted by the "Crossover at Kinnick" game, which drew over 55,000 fans, marking a historic attendance record for women’s college basketball. That season, Clark averaged 31.6 points, 8.9 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game, winning every major college award and setting numerous attendance records.
Upon entering the WNBA in 2024, Clark’s presence brought unprecedented excitement to the league. Her influence contributed to the WNBA's best opening month in 26 years, with record-breaking viewership and a significant surge in merchandise sales. The Indiana Fever’s home attendance surpassed the entire previous season within just five games. Caitlin Clark’s journey from a multi-sport prodigy to a transformative force in women’s sports underscores her status as a generational icon. Her story is a testament to dedication, talent, and a commitment to excellence that has reshaped women’s basketball and inspired countless fans worldwide.

11/07/2024

Caitlin Clark's draft night regret: The reason she felt upset for Kate Martin
The 2024 WNBA Draft was a milestone for Caitlin Clark-a defining moment that punctuated her incredible journey from Iowa standout to the professional stage. The Indiana Fever claimed her as the No. 1 pick, and as those words echoed across the stage, Clark's dreams became real. But amid all the excitement, something tugged at her heart-something that would go unnoticed by the roaring fans and flashing cameras.
Clark's bittersweet feeling wasn't about herself but rather about a surprising twist that involved one of her closest friends and teammates. When her longtime Iowa Hawkeyes partner, Kate Martin, was selected in the second round by the Las Vegas Aces, Clark's emotions took a sharp turn. What could possibly dampen the excitement of draft night for the woman who just made history?
During a recent episode of Fresh Tawk with Jada Gyamfi, Clark shared the backstory that only her inner circle knew. Joined by former teammates Martin and Gabbie Marshall, Clark admitted that while she was thrilled to be drafted first, she felt a profound disappointment at missing Martin's moment. "After my name was called, I got swept off to do interviews. I didn't even have my phone, and suddenly I heard, 'Kate just got picked.' It hit me so hard-I wasn't there to see it," she revealed.
Martin, dubbed "The Glue" on Iowa's roster for her steady play and fierce loyalty, had no expectations of being drafted. In fact, she had attended simply to support Clark. So, when the Aces called her name as the 18th pick, it was a joyful shock that took her-and everyone around her-by surprise. Clark's absence from this monumental moment seemed to make her triumph feel incomplete.
In her conversation with Gyamfi, Clark spoke about the missed connection. "I didn't even get to take pictures with my family or friends, and I missed Kate's moment. She's one of my closest friends, and I wanted to be there for her like she's always been there for me. It's something I'll always feel a little sad about,"Clark confessed.

11/07/2024

Clark and McCaffery have been dating for more than a year after meeting at the University of Iowa. They took their relationship Instagram official four months in when Clark shared a cuddled up photo with her beau and wrote, "Best end to summer," in the caption.
McCaffery joined the Pacers staff before Clark was drafted to the Fever, so the couple ending up in Indiana has allowed for them to support one another and their respective teams.
When the Pacers advanced in this season's NBA playoffs, Clark supported her boyfriend's team by attending home games and interacting with fans.
And on his end, McCaffery regularly posts photos and clips of Clark's big milestone moments to his social media in addition to spending extra time with her in the gym.
When they celebrated their one year anniversary in April, McCaffery penned a sweet message for the Fever rookie. “One year w the best 🫶🏼 doing life w u has been easy, and you never cease to amaze me.. can’t wait to watch u live out ur dreams in person 🤞🏼 love you ❤️,” he wrote.
Clark shared a tribute for the anniversary too, writing, “One year of the best mems w my fav person 🖤 you make everyday better and I can’t wait for many more adventures together… love you 🤞🏻😇,” in her Instagram post.

11/06/2024

Caitlin Clark's historic rookie season 👏
MOST AST IN A SEASON
Caitlin Clark: 337
Alyssa Thomas: 316
Courtney Vandersloot: 314
MOST 3PTS IN A SEASON
Sabrina Ionescu: 128
Caitlin Clark: 122
Diana Taurasi: 121
MOST CAREER 25 PTS/10 AST GAMES
Caitlin Clark: 5 (40 GMS)
Sabrina Ionescu: 5 (141 GMS)
Diana Taurasi: 3 (563 GMS)
MOST AST IN A GAME
Caitlin Clark: 19
Courtney Vandersloot: 18
Alyssa Thomas: 16
MOST PTS BY A ROOKIE
Caitlin Clark: 769
Seimone Augustus: 744
A'ja Wilson: 682
MOST TRIPLE DOUBLES BY A ROOKIE
Caitlin Clark: 2
Everyone else: 0

11/06/2024

Caitlin Clark has quickly become one of the most popular athletes in the U.S., even surpassing Patrick Mahomes in terms of fan support. 💓💓
At 22 years old, the Indiana Fever rookie, who was the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft after setting the NCAA scoring record with the Iowa Hawkeyes, has made an impressive transition from college star to WNBA standout.
According to ESPN, Clark is the fourth "most-favorited active athlete," placing her ahead of Mahomes, despite his three Super Bowl wins and high profile as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks.
Only LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Steph Curry outrank her in popularity.
Her rapid rise at such a young age is extraordinary, and her influence has been felt across the league, boosting TV ratings and filling arenas.
Clark’s growing impact is helping to transform the WNBA, with the Fever’s games becoming must-see events alongside other stars like Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart.

11/06/2024

Lexie Hull Reveals Moment Caitlin Clark Changed City of Indianapolis
The Indiana Fever recently wrapped up a season to remember despite finishing with a 20-20 record and losing in the first round of the WNBA playoffs to the Connecticut Sun.
Their standout rookie, Caitlin Clark, took the WNBA by storm, breaking records and winning numerous awards along the way. She set the single-season assist record, led the league in assists per game, won Rookie of the Year and was named to the All-WNBA First Team.
Her impact didn’t stop there. Clark’s presence has driven up television ratings, jersey sales and ticket sales, transforming Indianapolis into a true WNBA city and attracting countless new fans to the Fever.
But when did she really begin to change the city? It started in 2023 when the Fever finished with a 13-27 record, finishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and third-worst in the league.
It picked up steam a few months later, on Dec. 10, 2023, when the Fever won the WNBA draft lottery.
Fans began to get excited as Clark was a highly coveted prospect out of Iowa and was projected to be the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. While it seemed almost guaranteed she would go pro, she didn't officially declare until Feb. 29.
At that point, everything changed, according to Clark's teammate Lexie Hull, who spoke about it as a guest on the "Ringer NBA" podcast.
"I feel like once we found out we had the number one pick, and once Caitlin (Clark) declared, that kind of changed things, I think, for the city a little bit," Hull said. "People were just so excited to come support the Fever."
Hull also spoke about when the players began to feel the change in energy from the city.
"We felt that in our preseason games," she added. "We felt that even on draft night. We filled Gainbridge (Fever home area), which felt crazy. We're not even doing anything in Gainbridge, and people are excited to watch the screen and see who we draft."
Clark would go on to help the team reach the postseason for the first time since 2016.
In her rookie season, she averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and a league-leading 8.4 assists per game.

11/06/2024

NEWS: Caitlin Clark has signed a multi-year partnership deal with Wilson.
Clark will get a signature basketball collection with Wilson—making her the first athlete since Michael Jordan to do so with the brand.

11/05/2024

Thank God it’s Friday😊🌹

11/05/2024

Caitlin Clark: A Legacy Built on Awards and Accomplishments**
Caitlin Clark has quickly become one of the most decorated players in women’s basketball, earning numerous accolades that reflect her exceptional skill, leadership, and impact on the game. From breaking records to leading her team to new heights, Caitlin’s list of awards and achievements speaks volumes about her talent and dedication. Her success goes beyond just her scoring ability; it’s a testament to her all-around contributions and her place in the pantheon of greats in the sport.
1. NCAA Player of the Year (2023)
One of Caitlin Clark’s most significant individual honors came in 2023 when she was named the NCAA Player of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes the top female player in college basketball, and Clark’s performance during the 2022-2023 season was nothing short of phenomenal. Averaging over 27 points per game, leading the NCAA in scoring, and consistently delivering clutch performances, Clark’s ability to dominate on both ends of the court made her the obvious choice for this coveted award. It solidified her status as the most outstanding player in women’s college basketball.
2. Big Ten Player of the Year (2023)
Clark’s dominance wasn’t limited to national recognition; she also claimed the Big Ten Player of the Year award in 2023. This honor highlights the top player in the Big Ten Conference, and Caitlin was the clear standout. Not only did she lead the conference in scoring, but she also set the standard for what it means to be a well-rounded player. Her ability to excel in scoring, playmaking, and leadership made her an undeniable force in the conference.
3. Consensus First-Team All-American (2023)
In 2023, Caitlin Clark earned a place on the Consensus First-Team All-American list, which recognizes the best players in the country across all divisions. Being named a First-Team All-American by multiple organizations—including the Associated Press (AP), WBCA (Women's Basketball Coaches Association), and others—cements her place among the elite players in women’s basketball history. This achievement is especially significant as it highlights Clark's impact not just on a regional or national scale, but on a global level.
4. Naismith College Player of the Year (2023)
Caitlin Clark was also honored with the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2023, one of the most prestigious awards in college basketball. The Naismith Trophy is awarded annually to the top player in the NCAA, and Caitlin’s remarkable season—marked by record-breaking performances, leadership, and her ability to influence the game on every level—made her the clear winner. It was a fitting recognition of her role in shaping the narrative of women’s basketball.
5. Associated Press (AP) Player of the Year (2023)
Clark was named the AP Player of the Year in 2023, an award that highlights the best player in college basketball as voted on by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. With her scoring ability, clutch performances, and leadership, Caitlin Clark’s name was synonymous with excellence in college basketball. This award placed her alongside the game’s all-time greats and marked another milestone in her already impressive career.
6. Big Ten Tournament MVP (2023)
Caitlin Clark also earned the Big Ten Tournament MVP award in 2023, leading Iowa to a conference tournament championship. She played a pivotal role in securing the title, with standout performances throughout the tournament. Clark’s ability to perform under pressure and elevate her game in high-stakes situations was on full display, further showcasing her status as one of the most impactful players in the sport.
7. USBWA National Player of the Year (2023)
The USBWA (United States Basketball Writers Association) National Player of the Year award is another prestigious honor that Caitlin Clark received in 2023. This award is given to the best player in college basketball, as determined by a panel of basketball writers. Clark’s all-around dominance, coupled with her ability to lead Iowa to success, made her a unanimous choice for this honor, highlighting her position as the most complete and impactful player of the season.
8. First Player in NCAA History to Record 900+ Points in a Season (2023)
In an incredible feat, Caitlin Clark became the first player in NCAA Division I history to score over 900 points in a single season during the 2022-2023 campaign. This achievement shattered records and further cemented her place in the history books. Her scoring prowess was unmatched that season, and this record-breaking milestone was a testament to her incredible skill and consistency.
9. All-Big Ten First Team (Multiple Years)
For multiple seasons, Caitlin Clark was named to the All-Big Ten First Team, recognizing her as one of the top players in the conference. She has been a dominant force in the Big Ten, consistently leading her team in scoring, playmaking, and leadership. Her recognition on the All-Big Ten First Team is a testament to her excellence year after year, both as an individual and as a leader for Iowa.
10. Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2023)
During Iowa’s run to the 2023 NCAA Final Four, Caitlin Clark was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Her performances in the tournament were nothing short of spectacular, as she led Iowa to the championship game, where she showcased her elite skill set on the biggest stage. Despite falling short in the final, her incredible efforts throughout the tournament further solidified her status as one of the best players in the world.
11. Lombardi Award for Best Female Athlete (2023)
In 2023, Caitlin Clark also received the Lombardi Award, which honors the best female athlete across all sports. This recognition speaks to the widespread impact she has had on the sports world, not just in basketball but across the broader athletic community. The award acknowledged her exceptional achievements both on and off the court.
# # # 12. Gold Medal with Team USA (2023 FIBA Women’s World Cup)
Though Caitlin Clark’s greatest individual success came in college basketball, her talent and influence extended to the international stage as well. In 2023, she was a key contributor to Team USA’s gold medal win at the FIBA Women’s World Cup. Representing her country, Clark showed that she could compete at the highest level, further solidifying her status as a global star in the sport.
Conclusion
Caitlin Clark has accumulated an impressive array of awards and honors throughout her young career, each recognition a testament to her exceptional skill, leadership, and hard work. From her dominance in the NCAA, where she claimed the coveted Player of the Year awards, to her record-breaking performances and international success, Clark has proven herself to be a true icon in women’s basketball. Her accolades are not only a reflection of her individual brilliance but also a sign of the impact she has had on the sport as a whole.
As Caitlin continues to grow and evolve, there is no doubt that her trophy case will continue to fill with more awards, records, and milestones. She is not just making history—she’s defining it.

11/05/2024

Caitlin Clark is getting golf lessons from a former LPGA player ahead of pro-am with Nelly Korda, Annika Sorenstam
Before Caitlin Clark nearly made an ace that went viral on TikTok, the WNBA megastar had a lesson with Martha Foyer-Faulconer.
The Crooked Stick pro, who played on the LPGA from 1987 to 1995, was amazed by Clark’s ability to make quick adjustments.
“Within the time we were working, we saw some drastic changes,” said Foyer-Faulconer, who had another lesson with Clark on Wednesday afternoon in Carmel, Indiana. This time the focus was on short game. Foyer-Faulconer noticed in the TikTok video that Clark was quite tense in her shoulders.
It’s all part of a tune-up before Clark plays alongside World No. 1 Nelly Korda and LPGA icon Annika Sorenstam at the upcoming Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican in Belleair, Florida. Clark will take part in the event’s pro-am on Nov. 13 and Women’s Leadership Summit the day prior at the club.
Last summer, Clark created a frenzy at the John Deere Classic Pro-Am when she played alongside Zach Johnson and Ludvig Aberg. Johnson called the Iowa legend “transcendent.”
After the Indiana Fever were knocked out of the playoffs last month, Clark joked that she planned to become a professional golfer during the offseason.
Foyer-Faulconer grew up in Carmel and won three Indiana high school titles as a golfer, but her first love was basketball. In the LPGA media guide, Foyer-Faulconer listed her favorite moment in golf as playing basketball with Julius Irving. She once played one-on-one against “Dr. J” during a party at the tour’s Atlantic City stop.
Needless to say, it’s a thrill for Foyer-Faulconer to work with Clark, who is shopping around for a golf home in the Hoosier State. Foyer-Faulconer confirmed that the 22-year-old is nuts about the game and described her as a raw talent. It helps, too, that the weather of late has been ideal for her to grind.
“It’s also part of her DNA,” said Foyer-Faulconer, “because she’s going to do things well. She wants to be as good as she can in everything she touches. She’s very driven and passionate. It’s fun to work with her.”
On the lesson tee, Foyer-Faulconer worked first on Clark’s setup, moving her a bit farther away from the ball. The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year was eager to get rid of her slice and mostly wanted to pound drivers, telling her coach, “Oh, I just want to kill it.”
Foyer-Faulconer noted that they first needed to get all the parts working together in unison, so they began with wedges. It wasn’t long, however, before Clark had driver back in hand, and there was rapid improvement.
Foyer-Faulconer said it was almost like pushing a button.
“Some of this stuff you can’t teach people,” she said. “They just either have it or they don’t.”