Caitlin Clark was unable to shine as she had hoped in her second year in the WNBA. After being named Rookie of the Year in 2024 and leading the Indiana Fever to the playoffs after an eight-year absence, this season was very different.
Injuries to her quadriceps and groin led her to play only 13 games, in which she averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. However, advice from one of her teammates was key to her recovery process.
Clark received wise words from a WNBA veteran
In early September, the team confirmed that Caitlin would be sidelined for the rest of the season. From that moment on, CC became just another fan, cheering from the bench and on social media, but this may have been motivated by one of her Fever teammates.
Sydney Colson has been in the league for almost a decade and, over the years, has gained experience, but she also knows what it’s like to be injured. In fact, in August, Syd suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament with Indiana, forcing her to miss the rest of the season. Clark and Colson were joined by four other Fever players: Sophie Cunningham, Damiris Dantas, Aari McDonald, and Chloe Bibby.
However, during her appearance on the “Good Follow” podcast, Colson revealed some great advice she gave Clark after she was cut from the team:
“I would be talking to her a lot – Make sure you’re still being vocal. You don’t want to lose this time with your teammates,” Syndey advised Clark. “Because you’re injured or sidelined, you’re still using that opportunity to lead or to grow relationships. Don’t let it be a wasted season because you can’t physically contribute,” said the 36-year-old point guard.
Of course, injuries are difficult to deal with, not only physically but also mentally, so Syd not only emphasized this, but also Clark’s effort and resilience in keeping her leadership intact, even while injured.
For Caitlin, this year was the first time she had to put her career on hold due to injury, as she had never experienced this even during her time at Iowa. For this reason, Syd emphasized:
“I think her desire to become a better leader, and to come back-because there were times where she thought she was coming back, and then it wasn’t happening, or another little thing would happen that turned into a big thing-but to see her fun side, that was an important part,” Sydney began. “To see her being jovial, and lighthearted, and having fun with her teammates, I don’t think that was a side people saw a lot last season,” Colson concluded.
Meanwhile, looking ahead to a new season, only Caitlin, Aliyah Boston, and Makayla Timpson have contracts through 2026, so Colson’s future with the Fever is uncertain. However, Colson’s affection and advice is something that will stay with Clark.
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