Following her unexpected exclusion from the U.S. Olympic basketball roster, Caitlin Clark approached the news with a characteristic blend of resilience and determination. She immediately confided in Christie Sides, her then-coach at the Indiana Fever, sharing a message that reflected her fighting spirit: “they woke a monster.” This simple but potent statement signaled Clark’s resolve to transform the disappointment into motivation, channeling her energy into continued improvement and future opportunities.
Sides expressed her own regret over Clark’s exclusion, understanding the competitive difficulty of securing a spot on such an elite team. She recognized the high level of competition within the U.S. Olympic roster and believed Clark would have numerous chances in the future. Clark, for her part, handled the situation graciously, expressing excitement for her teammates and support for their journey, a testament to her sportsmanship and respect for the game.
Though Sides guided the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016, she was recently let go as the team aims for fresh direction. Sides was instrumental in helping Clark navigate the emotional and strategic challenges of her first WNBA season, establishing a strong foundation for the young star’s career. Despite Indiana’s early playoff exit, Sides’s mentorship remained invaluable as Clark achieved a historic season.
Indiana Fever president Kelly Krauskopf acknowledged Sides’s contributions to the team’s growth, commending her role in fostering a competitive spirit and leading the Fever through a pivotal rebuilding phase. As the Fever now search for a coach to unlock Clark’s full potential and build on the team’s progress, they are more determined than ever to bring a WNBA championship back to Indiana.
