Caitlin Clark is the epicenter of the WNBA. While there are many talented players across the WNBA fans show up to watch every night, there is no bigger draw in the league than Clark.
With the increased spotlight, comes increased expectations. With increased expectations, comes increased pressure to succeed. Clark is no stranger to pressure or succeeding.
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During her time at the University of Iowa, she led her team to back-to-back national championship appearances before being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever in 2024.
After finishing fourth in the WNBA MVP award vote in her rookie season, Clark enters the 2025 WNBA season as the favorite to win the award (plus-200) ahead of A’ja Wilson (plus-230). The Fever are also the third-favorite to win the WNBA championship (plus-380) behind only the Minnesota Lynx (plus-340) and the defending champion, New York Liberty (plus-230).
Clark, who spoke to reporters after a practice session on Thursday, spoke about her secret to handling the increased pressure for herself as well as her team ahead of this season.
“There’s always expectations and pressure to perform… We understand the spotlight. People expect this team to win, and that’s exactly what we want to do for our fans and this organization. Me personally, I wouldn’t want it any other way. If there is that pressure, it’s just something you embrace. You just rise to the occasion because you wouldn’t want it any other way,” Clark said.
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Clark seems mentally prepared to take the added individual and team pressure on head first.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark speaks during a press conference© Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Clark and the Fever’s final preseason game is on Saturday against the Atlanta Dream. Clark and the Fever will then tip-off their regular season on May 17, at home, against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky.
Related: Caitlin Clark Photo Sparks Odd Request From Team Brazil Player
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