Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark addressed the media today in her first press conference since sustaining a left quad strain on May 24 that was projected to sideline her for at least two weeks. In the highly anticipated update, she provided insights into her recovery process and the surprising lessons she has learned from her unexpected absence.
Caitlin Clark’s Thoughts on Her Recovery
Clark, who has averaged an impressive 19 points, 9.3 assists, and six rebounds per game in her limited playing time this season, expressed frustration and newfound perspective. “I’m excited to get out there eventually,” she said.
She quickly acknowledged the mental toll of being sidelined but hinted at her progress. “Yeah, you can be frustrated and whatnot, but the medical team has been doing a really good job of doing my rehab every single day, staying in a routine, coming in, getting shots up, but more than anything just focusing on being a really good teammate.”
Caitlin Clark speaks with the media and provides a status update after the team’s practice on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/AYV4LXmFLA
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Her focus has shifted to contributing off the court. “Just trying to be there for them has been my focus. I think that can kind of distract you from not actually playing, is when you’re just focusing on your teammates.”
Clark has embraced a new role as a liaison, emphasizing her efforts to bridge communication gaps. “I’m trying to be that connector between the coaches and my teammates. Whether that’s in the locker room or at halftime, whether that’s during timeouts…it’s taught me a lot, I’ve never been in that position before.”
Despite the setback, Clark expressed optimism about her recovery. “I feel I made a lot of progress. I am feeling good, but I am not going to rush the process.” When asked about the most challenging aspect of her time away, she did not hesitate. “I think the hardest part is not being able to be involved in practice. I love practice…That’s something I really enjoy, I really enjoy coming out here and competing every single day with my teammates.”
Perhaps the most profound takeaway for Clark has been a personal one. “This has been the time for me to find some patience. I have never been a patient person my entire life. This has definitely tested me a little but I think it’s going to be really good for me…My patience has definitely grown a lot.”
The Indiana Fever have gone 1-2 in Clark’s absence this season, highlighting her undeniable impact on the team’s performance. While her return date remains uncertain following an evaluation this upcoming weekend, her dedication to her teammates and personal growth during this challenging period is evident. Fever fans eagerly await the return of their star, confident that she will be back stronger and wiser.