Expectations are high for Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever going into the start of a new WNBA season.
Clark is striving to move past a rough sophomore season that was detailed by injuries. While Clark is prepared for a fresh start, she recently opened up on the mental toll last season’s injuries put her through.
Caitlin Clark Reveals Toughest Part Of Last Season’s Injury Struggles
Clark revealed her thoughts on missing most of last season in a sit-down interview.
Clark said “I think looking back now, figuring out how to be a good leader and being a good teammate is probably what I learned the most. The toughest moments for me were the night before the game and it’s like man, my team is gearing up to play in Game 5 of the semifinals and I know I don’t get to put my uniform on, that makes me emotional right now, I hated that.”
Caitlin on the toughest part about not playing
“the night before the games you’re in your hotel room…and it’s like man my team is gearing up to play in game 5…and I know I don’t get to put my uniform on. That makes me emotional right now like that ate at me. I hated that.” pic.twitter.com/dhzTeIPV8d
— correlation (@nosyone4) May 8, 2026
While Clark made her second straight All-Star team last season, she was unable to fulfill the lofty expectations while struggling with multiple injuries. She suffered a strained left quad a few weeks into the regular season and then a left groin injury the following month.
She suffered a right groin injury last July that would ultimately sideline her for the rest of the season. Clark went into last season as an MVP Award candidate, but was only able to play in 13 games. She finished her short season, averaging 16.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game.
However, Clark saw her numbers decline almost entirely across the board from her Rookie of The Year season. The sharpshooter only shot 36.7% from the field and 27.9% from three. As Clark mentioned, she remained a constant presence at Fever games supporting her teammates on the sidelines.
An intense competitor, Clark being unable to help her team was perhaps more painful than the physical injuries she dealt with. The Fever rallied around Clark in her absence and made a surprisingly deep playoff run last season, thanks to All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, as well as key role players like Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull.
Those four players are back along with Clark, and the Fever are considered one of the top championship contenders. Clark has gotten stronger in an attempt to withstand the intense defensive pressure from other teams that she’s faced since coming into the WNBA and avoid more injuries.
Clark’s emotional reaction while explaining last season’s struggles are a sign that she’ll work as hard as possible to avoid that happening again.
