Caitlin Clark: The Star of Women’s Basketball Ready to Shine in the WNBA
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Fever General Manager Amber Cox marveled at the schedule of superstar Caitlin Clark during the offseason. The young athlete, turned renowned celebrity, combined high-profile events with intense morning workouts. From attending Taylor Swift concerts to participating in the Masters, Clark demonstrated an unwavering dedication to basketball.Sarah Kessler, the Fever’s physical performance coach, also noticed Clark’s work ethic. Despite numerous distractions, Clark always returned to the gym at 8 a.m. the next day.
“I couldn’t miss a workout,” Clark said.
Caitlin Clark
While her teammates were playing abroad or in the new 3-on-3 league, Clark stayed away from competition, but never from basketball. She took this time to hone her game and get physically stronger. “That’s where I’m going to find my confidence for next season,” Clark stated, highlighting the importance of consistency in her preparation.
After being named fourth in the MVP voting in her debut season, Clark led Indiana back to the playoffs. Now, she arrives at the 2025 campaign renewed and stronger, ready to make the most of an offseason dedicated to refining the details of her game.
“She is so far ahead of her time in terms of her understanding of how to work,” Fever coach Stephanie White said.
Stephanie White
The expectation of seeing her raise her level in her second year, with an improved team and championship aspirations, is an intimidating prospect for the league. Fans and sports experts see her as the favorite for the ESPN BET MVP in 2025.
The Fever’s season opens against the Chicago Sky, and the excitement is palpable. “There’s a different aura this year,” commented teammate Lexie Hull, “she’s here and ready to do her job.”
Clark’s transition to the WNBA and global fame was intense. After finishing her college season, she took time to assess what had happened. She prioritized work on the court and in the gym. Although she fulfilled off-court commitments, routine was her anchor. “I’m completely fine doing the same thing every day,” Clark said, pointing to the advantage of staying in Indianapolis to prepare.
Clark’s life is anything but ordinary. He participated in events like the pro-am golf with Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam, appeared in a Nike Super Bowl ad, and on David Letterman’s show on Netflix. His experience at the Masters, without phones and with peach ice cream, was unforgettable.
In addition, she attended an NFL playoff game with Taylor Swift, enjoying a “perfect” moment. Clark highlighted Swift’s humanity and kindness. Cox, also a Chiefs fan, praised Clark’s humility.
During the offseason, Clark took a break, although basketball was always close. Being away from organized basketball was an adjustment, but Hull kept her connected. Although she didn’t participate in the Unrivaled league, she left open the possibility of doing so in the future.
In March, Clark’s arms went viral, showing his evident physical improvement. Kessler and the team focused on improving his strength. Clark set out to gain muscle mass and worked hard in the gym with Kessler, who incorporated isometric and single-arm exercises. He also added creatine to his routine.
Clark combined his work with Kessler with on-court training with player development coach Keith Porter. Together, they honed his game, focusing on shot improvement, footwork, and the development of his mid-range game. The goal was to refine his efficiency and make it more difficult to defend.
Porter and Kessler collaborated closely, ensuring that the work on the court and in the gym complemented each other. The result is a player who operates with greater power on the court and feels more comfortable and confident against any defense.
When Clark launched a three-pointer from 36 feet in the Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the excitement returned. Jensen sees in her the girl she scouted, with the same joy and risk that captivates fans. Clark has her sights set on the championship, a goal she didn’t set as a freshman.
The Fever team has been reinforced with key players like DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sophie Cunningham. Clark has participated in recruitment, showing a commitment similar to that of Diana Taurasi with the Mercury. The shared goal is a championship, and Clark’s work in the offseason is crucial to achieve it.
“Caitlin wants to win, so she will do whatever it takes,” Jensen said.
Jan Jensen
