Stephanie White Hopes Caitlin Clark’s Injury-Plagued Season is a “Fluke”
Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White expressed her hope that Caitlin Clark’s injury-riddled second season will be just a setback in her career. White anticipates that Clark will learn from this early adversity in her professional journey.Clark, who was the first pick of the 2024 draft, was only able to participate in 13 games this year. Her last appearance was on July 15, when she suffered a right groin injury in the final minute of the Fever’s victory against the Connecticut Sun. Previously, she had been out due to injuries to her left quadriceps and groin. In addition, in August, she suffered a bone contusion in her right ankle, which forced her to undergo rehabilitation simultaneously with her groin injury. White revealed that the team has already had a “preliminary conversation” about Clark’s continued rehabilitation through the end of the season. Once the Fever season concludes, a more thorough discussion about a plan for the preseason is planned. According to White, Clark has been “working very hard to be able to return.” The team’s recent trip to the West Coast was considered a crucial opportunity to assess whether he could play with contact and regain his stamina at a high level on consecutive days. However, with the end of the regular season on Tuesday and a possible playoff qualification still uncertain, the Fever felt like they were running out of time. White commented that they were unable to reach the required level for Clark to participate due to physical and endurance limitations. The intensity of the current matches, comparable to those of the playoffs, demands a high level of play and recovery.There’s a hunger and a determination that comes from not having played and not wanting to go through that again. Mental and physical preparation is as important as learning about the game and your teammates.
Stephanie White
Before this season, Clark had never missed a game, neither in her college career at Iowa nor in her rookie season in the WNBA. The latter earned her recognition on the WNBA first team and fourth place in the MVP voting. However, this second season, which began with high expectations, saw Clark absent from more than five consecutive games. This included her absence from the WNBA All-Star events in Indianapolis, missing the last eight weeks of the season.
White highlighted Clark’s disappointment and frustration at not having been healthy throughout the season. However, he emphasized that Clark’s long-term health and well-being are the priority, and that the decision on her return will be made when she is fully recovered. Clark is the fifth Fever player to be ruled out for the season due to injury, joining Aari McDonald (foot), Sydney Colson (knee), Sophie Cunningham (knee), and Chloe Bibby (knee). Despite this, Indiana (21-20) still has a chance to make the playoffs for the second year in a row and is competing with the Seattle Storm and Los Angeles Sparks for one of the two remaining spots. The Fever will host the Chicago Sky on Friday, before facing the Washington Mystics on Sunday and the Minnesota Lynx at home in their last regular season game on Tuesday.
