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Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark has become a powerhouse in the WNBA, wowing fans with her moves on the basketball court. However, her former coach revealed during a trial for USA U-19 tryouts in 2019 that she used to be shy.
The coach at the time, Jeff Walz, claimed that Clark was quiet and reserved and once told her she should smile and communicate with others. He added that he advised her to break out of her shell and become more comfortable in the tryouts.
“The first time we were there at tryouts, (Clark) was really quiet, reserved,” Walz said. “I told her it was okay to smile. I told her it would help if she talked, and that I think broke the ice for her.
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"It’s a stressful situation for everyone trying out. There’s 30-something really, really talented basketball players trying out for a 12-person roster. You’re really competing hard."
Clark was a member of the USA U19 team that won gold at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup. She earned the tournament's MVP award which was the beginning of her road to stardom.
She now plays for the Indiana Fever and has arguably been one of the reasons, if not the major reason, for the WNBA's soaring popularity. It appears she listened to her former coach's advice, as she has broken out of her shell and has become the star everyone knew she was destined to be.
Caitlin Clark and the role she played in leading Team USA to gold at U-19 FIBA World Cup
Caitlin Clark has long been a star in the making. Her role in leading Team USA to its ninth gold medal over Australia at the 2021 FIBA U-19 World Cup was vital, as much as her contributions throughout the tournament.
In the finals, she recorded nine points, eight assists and eight rebounds. Clark averaged 14.3 points, 5.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game in the tournament.
Although Caitlin Clark's role with Team USA was limited, her omission from the Paris Olympics roster sparked widespread criticism. Many fans and analysts argued that Clark, given her excellent skills, should have been part of the team.
