Caitlin Clark, the rising star of the 2024 WNBA season, has made a significant impact both on and off the court. Her outstanding performances and recognition as Time’s Athlete of the Year at the end of her rookie season have brought her into the public eye in ways few first-year players experience. Along with the attention, however, came the added pressure of intense scrutiny, with critics analyzing her every move and her spotlight often overshadowing the other players in the league. Throughout these challenges, Clark found a valuable source of support and guidance in Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, a WNBA legend who reached out to her early in her career.
Catchings, a retired legend and former MVP, played a crucial role in helping Clark navigate her first year in the league. Even though the two were not teammates, Catchings reached out shortly after Clark was drafted by the Indiana Fever, offering her wisdom and encouragement. “She was one of the first people to text me after I got picked and still checks in on me,” Clark shared. “For her to take two seconds to check in on me and see how I’m doing, that’s obviously really special.” To Clark, the simple act of Catchings reaching out meant the world, as Catchings holds a lasting legacy in the Fever organization and the wider WNBA community.
The support Clark received from Catchings is especially meaningful given the similarities between their rookie experiences. In 2002, Catchings faced a similar path filled with high expectations, immense pressure, and intense public scrutiny. As a new face in the WNBA, Catchings battled not only opponents on the court but also critics off it. With her own storied career, Catchings was able to offer advice rooted in her own experiences, helping Clark manage the intense media attention and personal challenges she faced as a rookie.
Catchings’ career achievements are a testament to her strength and resilience. Over 15 seasons with the Fever, she led her team to its first-ever championship in 2012, won multiple MVP awards, and became one of the most decorated players in WNBA history, including four Olympic gold medals. Her number 24 jersey hangs in the rafters of the Fever’s home court, a permanent symbol of her legacy. For Clark, seeing that jersey every day serves as a daily reminder of the bar Catchings set and the path Clark aims to follow. “Her championship trophy that she won sits in our locker room,” Clark remarked, noting the inspiration it provides her.
As Clark continues to thrive in the WNBA, her connection to Catchings could be a crucial part of her growth as a player. The support and mentorship from one of the greatest players in the league’s history could serve as a blueprint for Clark to navigate the obstacles ahead and potentially carve out her own legendary career. While Clark has already shown glimpses of her immense potential, the road to greatness will undoubtedly be filled with both challenges and triumphs. With the support of seasoned mentors like Catchings, however, Clark appears poised to face whatever comes her way.
