Caitlin Clark is back, and she sounds like someone who has genuinely grown through the process of getting there.
After being limited to just 13 games in a brutal 2025 WNBA season due to a right groin strain, the Indiana Fever star spent eight months away from professional basketball before returning to lead Team USA at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in March.
Now, with the 2026 WNBA season set to tip off on May 9, Clark is opening up about what that long stretch on the sideline taught her about herself and her body.
Caitlin Clark Speaks About Injury Return
“I was talking to (Stephanie White) a little bit, and I’m the person that doesn’t want to sit out a single rep. I want to be in there every single time. … None of that has changed, but just being a little bit smarter with my body. …” Clark said.
Caitlin Clark on her #Fever return:
“I was talking to (Stephanie White) a little bit, and I’m the person that doesn’t want to sit out a single rep. I want to be in there every single time. … None of that has changed, but just being a little bit smarter with my body. …” pic.twitter.com/U2eLdTi2Vl
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 19, 2026
That is the lesson right there, and it is a significant one for a player whose competitive instincts have always been one of the traits that set her apart from many of her WNBA rivals.
Stephanie White, who was part of the Team USA staff and watched Clark return to form up close, has been clear that the Fever will be thoughtful about how they bring her back during training camp.
White has also spoken about Clark’s return from injury. “I just want to see her play with joy. It was such a hard year a year ago. When you’re going through injury, it’s tough. … I want to see her enjoy the opportunity that we have and this team that we have,” she said.
Clark gave the Fever and their fanbase something to feel good about with her Team USA showing. She went 5-0 with the Americans at the FIBA Qualifying Tournament, shot 52.9 percent from the floor, averaged 11.8 points and 6.4 assists per game, and won the tournament MVP.
Indiana’s season opener is set for May 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the Dallas Wings, which means Clark’s first WNBA game back after injury will come against Paige Bueckers.
The Fever went on to win the Commissioner’s Cup championship and reach the WNBA playoffs semifinals last season without Clark in the lineup. With Clark back in the mix, expectations in Indy have risen considerably heading into what could be her most important season yet.
