The “Caitlin Clark Effect” has been widely discussed-and rightly so. From sold-out arenas to record-breaking viewership, much of the WNBA’s surge in popularity can be credited to Clark’s arrival. Few are better positioned to reflect on this seismic shift than Jenny Boucek, who has witnessed the transformation from the inside.
In an interview with Nacho García of Marca TV, Boucek said the WNBA’s current momentum has been a long time coming. “To see it come to fruition is emotional for a lot of us, because even my generation felt a lot of discrimination,” said the Indiana Pacers assistant coach.
Boucek, who once played for the now-defunct Cleveland Rockers, recalled how the WNBA used to be “the brunt of a lot of jokes on comedy shows and talk shows and radio.” Her generation-and those before-fought an uphill battle to earn credibility, paving the way for today’s success.
Clark redefined the WNBA spotlight
Boucek began her coaching career with the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and, in 2017, became only the third woman to coach in the NBA. After decades of progress, she’s deeply grateful for how women’s basketball is now perceived-and she credits the Indiana Fever guard with elevating that conversation.
“Caitlin Clark’s impact is hard to explain,” Boucek said. “It’s something she was obviously predestined to be-to carry a mantle unlike any female athlete ever has.” Clark, she added, carries that responsibility “with an extreme amount of poise and confidence.”
Still, Boucek emphasized that this rise isn’t Clark’s doing alone. “She’s obviously worked very hard for it, but a lot of people have been part of this who aren’t getting as much acclaim,” she noted, honoring the generations of women who laid the foundation.
Boucek also praised Clark’s humility and awareness: “She understands this, which has endeared her to her peers. She knows she’s been given the mantle, and she carries a great responsibility. She’s been a catalyst-but she’s not the only one.”
A shared journey with the Pacers
Boucek noted Clark is one of the Indiana Pacers’ most enthusiastic supporters as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. She also pointed out that WNBA players often share a special bond with their NBA counterparts.
Clark, whose boyfriend Connor McCaffrey previously interned with the Pacers, is a familiar and supportive presence around the team. “There’s a lot of support-not just from Caitlin Clark, but from all the players. And it’s very mutual. The NBA players have always respected the WNBA players,” Boucek said.
“I’d say, as a former WNBA player, we’ve always felt like NBA players probably respected us more than most people-and certainly more than most men,” she added with a smile.
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