In the wake of her surprising omission from the U.S. Olympic basketball team, Caitlin Clark responded with her signature resilience and determination. Shortly after the announcement, she reached out to Christie Sides, her coach at the Indiana Fever, conveying a powerful sentiment: “they woke a monster.” This bold declaration underscored Clark’s commitment to turning her disappointment into a source of motivation, as she channeled her energy into furthering her skills and seizing future opportunities.
Sides also expressed her sadness regarding Clark’s exclusion, fully grasping the fierce competition that comes with being part of such an elite roster. She acknowledged the challenges of securing a spot on the Olympic team but remained optimistic about Clark’s prospects moving forward. In a display of commendable sportsmanship, Clark managed to remain supportive of her teammates, celebrating their achievements while respecting the integrity of the sport.
Recently, Sides, who had successfully led the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016, was let go as the team seeks a new direction. Throughout the tumultuous season, she played a crucial role in helping Clark navigate both the emotional and tactical complexities of her inaugural WNBA experience, laying a solid groundwork for the young athlete’s future. Although the Fever faced an early exit from the playoffs, Sides’s guidance was instrumental in Clark’s remarkable season.
Kelly Krauskopf, the president of the Indiana Fever, recognized Sides’s significant contributions to the team’s development, praising her ability to instill a competitive spirit during a critical rebuilding phase. As the Fever now search for a new coach to help unlock Clark’s full potential and continue the team’s progression, they are more focused than ever on bringing a WNBA championship back to Indiana. The organization is determined to build on the achievements made under Sides’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent and fostering a winning c
ulture.
