Caitlin Clark’s relentless drive and exceptional commitment to elevating her team have distinguished her from her peers, according to a former coach. At just 22 years old, Clark has cemented herself as the WNBA’s most impactful player, steering the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance in six years. Her unprecedented achievements include becoming the first unanimous Rookie of the Year, a milestone that underscores her transformative impact on women’s basketball and her pivotal role in amplifying the league’s popularity.
Jan Jensen, Clark’s former coach at Iowa and current head coach, likened her mentality to legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Speaking on the Mailender Podcast, Jensen highlighted Clark’s high expectations and unmatched basketball intelligence, which often challenged team dynamics. “She demanded trust and a high basketball IQ,” Jensen explained. “If she felt you weren’t putting in the effort, she wasn’t going to pass you the ball, because her 40-foot shot was statistically more reliable than someone else’s from 15 feet.”
This uncompromising standard created moments of tension among her teammates, who were forced to confront the gap between their perceived work ethic and Clark’s expectations. “Some of her teammates thought they were working hard—taking 100 shots after practice seemed sufficient to them,” Jensen noted. “But Caitlin’s perspective was different. If she didn’t believe you were working as hard as she was, she made that clear through her decisions on the court.” These moments served as wake-up calls for her peers, illustrating the intensity and accountability Clark brought to her team.
Despite her competitive nature, Clark is embracing a slower pace this offseason, choosing not to participate in the lucrative 3×3 Unrivaled series. Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell revealed that negotiations with Clark ultimately hinged on her need for rest, which he respected. “We hope to see her next year,” Bazzell remarked. “This year, she’s stepping back to recharge.”
Clark has instead devoted time to honing her golf skills, participating in Pro-Am tournaments as she explores her secondary passion. This extended offseason allows her to recalibrate after a groundbreaking rookie campaign while ensuring she remains prepared for the demands of the upcoming WNBA season, where her influence on the court and off is expected to grow even further.
