Caitlin Clark, the star player for the Indiana Fever, has very high expectations being placed on her this upcoming WNBA season.
Last season, Clark led the Fever, who hadn’t had a season over a .500 winning percentage since 2016, to a 6th place standing in the entire league, and their very first playoff appearance since 2016.
With the Fever making moves to better position the Fever for success this season, such as hiring former Connecticut Sun head coach Stephanie White and acquiring free agents Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, and DeWanna Bonner, there are high expectations for Clark and Indiana this season.
What Does Caitlin Clark Have To Say About Expectations This Season?
Clark shared her thoughts about the upcoming season during the team’s Media Day on Wednesday, April 30.
“I think for myself, you know, just having a year under my belt, and knowing what to expect, continuing to play great basketball in front of these amazing fans. As long as we win, I’m gonna be happy. Just be the best leader I can be, knowing that I have a year under my belt…I’m the point guard, people are gonna be expecting a lot from me…I need to be an extension of Steph (White) on the court.”
Clark has proven time and time again that she has the skills necessary to take the Indiana Fever to the next level. Last season, she averaged 19.2 points and 8.4 assists in just her rookie season. She was also on the WNBA First Team and won the Rookie of the Year award last season.
Clark has also made significant progress throughout the offseason, such as working on her physicality. Now, with veteran players such as Howard, Bonner, and Cunningham joining Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever are expected to make a big statement this upcoming season. This might be the first time fans see a Fever team with a roster as deep as some playoff-caliber teams in almost a decade.
Clark also emphasized that her role as a team leader and building chemistry with teammates will be one of the most significant key points of taking the Fever to the next level.
Clark is known for her ability to be a streaky shooter, but this season, she’s claiming that she will use that same intensity to bring the best out of her teammates as well. She talked about learning to “bring others along” in a couple of interviews. This shows that she is evolving into a team player.
Fans can catch Clark and the Fever’s preseason game against the Washington Mystics on Saturday, May 3 at 1:00 p.m. EST on NBATV and WNBA League Pass.
