Caitlin Clark, the rising star of the Indiana Fever, recently opened up about the challenges she faces as a professional athlete balancing her love for golf and her commitments to the WNBA. In a candid conversation with ESPN’s Monica McNutt and WNBA legend Sue Bird, she highlighted one significant drawback of the WNBA season: its summer schedule, which runs from May to October, coinciding perfectly with the peak golf season.
Clark humorously noted, “Everybody thinks I’m way better than I actually am,” referring to the perception that her golf skills are more advanced than they are. This reality means that her golfing ambitions often take a backseat while she focuses on basketball during the summer months. The WNBA season not only demands her full attention but also limits her opportunities to practice her golf game. While she looks forward to playing during the fall and winter, the cold weather in the Midwest restricts her golf outings, making it a challenge to balance both sports.
Despite these challenges, Clark’s rookie season has been extraordinary. She averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, leading the WNBA in average assists and earning recognition as the Rookie of the Year. Her impressive stats were instrumental in helping the Fever secure a 20-20 record, their first playoff appearance since 2016, and the first 20-win season since 2015. This success is a testament to her skill and determination, proving she can excel on the basketball court while juggling other passions.
Her achievements in the WNBA have not only elevated her career but also reignited interest in women’s basketball, drawing attention to the talent within the league. As fans celebrate her accomplishments, many are eager to see how Clark will continue to navigate her dual passions for basketball and golf in the future.
