Caitlin Clark has long been celebrated as a generational talent, but Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham recently revealed the defining trait that distinguishes the guard from any other athlete in professional basketball: her unmatched work ethic.
The 23-year-old isn’t just skilled at basketball as she also excelled academically in high school with a 3.86 GPA while managing advanced courses, continued her pursuit of excellence in college by majoring in marketing and minoring in communication studies.
But whilst she clearly has bundles of talent and the brains to go with it, her 28-year-old colleague at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse also paid homage to her ability to drive up her own standards.
“And the way that she works out, she’s a perfectionist,” Cunningham said of Clark, who has had her 2025 season has been hindered by a groin injury sustained against the Connecticut Sun on July 15.
Even with her injury, Caitlin reportedly spends eight to nine hours a day in the gym, rehabbing and maintaining her physical conditioning, something she admitted was because she didn’t feel like she could get away with youth alone anymore.
“Like a lot of people in her position, not really knowing the league and having that experience, they wouldn’t be doing what she’s doing. But she’s invested,” Cunningham said on The Right REED Podcast, adding further praise to her teammate.
Even as injuries slow her down, Clark‘s influence remains evident. She led Indiana back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, drawing sold-out crowds and maintaining a high level of fan engagement and Cunningham remarked on the cultural phenomenon.
“And when I tell you that I’ve never seen anything like this,” Sophie added. “I don’t think a lot of people have.
“The way that people follow her, the way that people are no joke like obsessed with her and everything she does, it is insane. She’s a different breed, man.”
Clark‘s reach now extends internationally; following the Fever‘s upset over the Liberty, a reporter informed her that five fans had traveled from Hong Kong, spending 22 hours and a lot of money just to watch her play.
Who do the Indiana Fever play next?
The Indiana Fever are set to take on the Connecticut Sun next on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville.
Tip off is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET/10 AM PT and the game presents a key opportunity for the Fever to strengthen their position in the playoff race, holding an 18-16 record with games running out.
The team is focused on maintaining momentum and securing a favorable seed as the regular season nears its conclusion. Their performance against the Sun will play a significant role in shaping their postseason prospects.
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