Caitlin Clark might’ve just given everyone a masterclass in empathy – without even touching the court. The Indiana Fever star, still on the mend from a string of injuries that have sidelined her for most of the season, has found a new way to show up for her team. While Clark has missed 11 regular season games – and 12, counting the Commissioner’s Cup Final – fans recently caught a glimpse of her in a very different role.
Clark’s off-court presence is just as impactful as her on-court play
Clark on the bench was casually keeping assistant coach Karima Christmas-Kelly’s young son, Zayn, entertained like it was second nature. In a moment that quickly went viral, Clark wasn’t just filling time – she was filling a gap. With her coach focused on the game, Clark stepped in with ease, making the toddler laugh and calmly keeping him occupied. It showed a completely different layer of who she is.
That quiet leadership is something the Fever need now more than ever. Clark’s stats – 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists in 13 games – show promise, but her shooting slump has been hard to ignore. Her percentages are down across the board, including a rough 27.9% from deep, and a jarring 2-of-35 from three-point range on the road. Still, the Fever are 8-5 with her in the lineup, compared to 4-6 without her. The numbers tell one story. Her presence tells another.
While the franchise hopes she’ll return soon, they’re also walking a fine line: protect their star long-term, or push for a postseason berth now? Clark has opened up about how this injury-laced season has shifted her mindset. She told Glamour it’s the first time she’s felt her body not bounce back like it used to, admitting that being a pro means taking care of not just your body but your mind, too. She’s leaned on the team’s sports psychologist multiple times a week – not just to talk hoops, but life. That kind of self-awareness? It matters.
Clark is showing why she’s a cornerstone for the Fever
And moments like this – quietly stepping up for her coach in a way that doesn’t show up in the box score – are just further proof that Clark’s leadership runs deeper than her three-point range. It’s about character, connection, and knowing when to show up, even when you can’t suit up. That’s the kind of teammate who builds locker room trust, not just fan hype.
As she works her way back to full strength, Clark’s off-court impact has already made it clear: she’s not just here to score – she’s here to lead, in every sense of the word.
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