Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise in basketball has drawn both intense admiration and heightened scrutiny. Since her college days at Iowa, the 23-year-old guard has captivated audiences with her record-breaking performances and unapologetic style of play.
Yet behind the bold confidence lies a grounded personality that few truly see – one that finds inspiration in her heroes, laughter with her teammates, and strength from those who’ve stood where she stands now.
Clark has never been short on recognition. Long before she entered the WNBA, her talent had already caught the eye of sports legends.
From rapper Travis Scott making time to watch her live at Iowa, to NFL icon Tom Brady congratulating her when she shattered the NCAA scoring record, Clark’s stardom was cemented before she ever donned a professional jersey.
But among all the high-profile acknowledgments, one moment with LeBron James stood out.
How LeBron’s praise shaped Clark’s career
Back in March 2023, Clark accomplished something never seen before in NCAA tournament history – she recorded the first 40-point triple-double (men’s or women’s) since assists became an official stat in 1984. It was a night that changed how people saw Iowa basketball. Suddenly, Iowa wasn’t just cornfields; it was Caitlin Clark.
LeBron James took notice, responding to a tweet praising Clark’s performance with enthusiastic approval: “Haha! But FR She’s so COLD!!!!!!! SHEESH.”
On the podcast A Touch More with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, Clark opened up about what that moment meant to her.
“I think the one person who really made me starstruck probably was LeBron,” she admitted. “Because LeBron was a person that I grew up absolutely loving. Like he was like my Michael Jordan… that’s the person that I always looked up to.”
Having your basketball idol not only notice your game but consistently champion your efforts is something few athletes ever experience. James has since praised her milestones and even pushed back against critics, publicly defending her as she navigates the pressures of the WNBA spotlight.
Clark herself has acknowledged how deeply his influence runs – not just in terms of support, but in shaping her own intensity. Much like James, she’s a fierce competitor and isn’t shy about letting referees or opponents know when things aren’t right.
Getting frustrated with officials
Her vocal approach has drawn criticism at times, especially during moments like her heated exchange with official Michael Price in a game against Connecticut.
Still, those who know her best understand that Clark’s on-court fire doesn’t define her personality. “I feel like a lot of people don’t realize how goofy I actually am. And I think a lot of my teammates would say that,” she said on the same podcast.
That side of her shines through often – whether it’s joking around after Fever’s Commissioner’s Cup win or making witty comments during All-Star festivities. Her joy for the game and her team is evident, and it’s that balance that’s allowing her to thrive as a pro.
“Once I step on the court, I’m super fiery and want to kill,” she said. “But every moment other than that, it’s not serious. I just have fun, I have a good time. And I think that’s hard for people to understand, and it should be.”
As she continues to evolve in the WNBA, Caitlin Clark is proving that being intense and being joyful aren’t mutually exclusive. Whether it’s learning when to push back or when to laugh it off, Clark is finding her rhythm – both as a professional and as a person still enjoying every step of the journey.
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