Caitlin Clark recently reflected on her turbulent introduction to the WNBA, recounting the painful moment she ruptured her eardrum during the June 2 game against the New York Liberty. Speaking on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce on January 2, Clark detailed the injury caused by a seemingly routine screen. “Somebody set a screen on me, and I hit my ear just perfectly on the girl, causing my eardrum to rupture,” she explained. Recognizing the injury immediately due to a similar past experience while tubing on a lake, Clark admitted, “It hurts so bad … That was my welcome to the W moment.”
To compound the physical setback, the Indiana Fever suffered a crushing 64–104 defeat against the Liberty. Post-game, Clark revealed the impact the injury had on her hearing. “I don’t wanna explain it—it’d probably be pretty gross—but no, I feel fine. I can’t hear great out of one of my ears,” she admitted candidly, underscoring the lingering effects of the rupture.
Despite the severity of the injury and the humbling loss, Clark expressed optimism about her recovery process. She explained that eardrum ruptures require extended periods to heal fully. “It takes months to heal,” Clark shared. “After the season, the doctor had to check if it closed properly. If it doesn’t, you need a minor procedure. But, luckily, mine healed on its own.”
The perseverance Clark displayed during her recovery mirrors the resilience she’s demonstrated throughout her basketball career. Her ability to endure physical pain and maintain focus on her performance highlights her unwavering determination—a quality that has defined her transition into professional basketball.
While the injury initially cast a shadow over her rookie campaign, Clark’s ability to bounce back serves as a testament to her fortitude. As her ear continues to heal, the Indiana Fever star remains focused on refining her game and contributing to her team’s future success.
