Caitlin Clark‘s meteoric rise on the court has been accompanied by something a little softer off of it: her relationship with Connor McCaffery. Their story started back at the University of Iowa, where Clark was a breakout star and McCaffery, a dual-sport athlete and the coach’s son, quickly became a constant presence in her life.
From those early campus days to the glare of the professional spotlight, the pair have remained deeply supportive of each other.
That bond was on full display after Clark dropped 32 points in a standout game against the Liberty-her third WNBA game with 30+ points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
When the final buzzer sounded, it wasn’t just teammates she celebrated with. There was Connor, waiting courtside, arms open. Their embrace, captured by cameras, said everything. It wasn’t just about stats. It was about survival-through rehab, pressure, and weeks of mental strain.
Public scrutiny fades in moments of real connection
That intimate moment resonated with fans, especially those who’ve followed Clark and McCaffery through both their triumphs and the criticism. Connor, now an assistant coach at Butler, has occasionally faced backlash, including for a now-deleted sarcastic tweet referencing Iowa, Penn, and Caitlin‘s team, the Fever. Some fans harshly claim he’s “not in her league”-a sentiment repeatedly challenged by those who admire their relationship.
As one supporter posted, “Yall see this and want her to not be with him??” Others praised Connor‘s quiet presence and understanding nature:
“Connor just gets her! That was evident when he 1st interviewed her at Iowa. He fell for her brain and knowledge right away. Very mature… Doesn’t need a fake celeb. He is real!”
That connection dates back to when Connor, working in Iowa’s media department, would interview Clark for content like his show T’d Up with Connor & Patrick. Their rapport was visible even then.
In April, the couple celebrated two years together-an impressive milestone under the constant gaze of fans and critics alike. But despite the spotlight, they’ve continued to grow closer. Whether sitting with each other’s families or trading playful jabs in Instagram comments, Clark and McCaffery have built something solid and genuine.
One fan summed up the mood with a simple line:
“They’re cute idc what ppl say.”
And maybe that’s the best takeaway. Amid pressure, records, and headlines, sometimes what a superstar really needs is a warm hug-and someone who sees them, not just the spotlight around them.
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