"That's how I was raised" - Caitlin Clark credits parents' influence in managing stress from controversies & media attention

In the past year, Caitlin Clark has become the biggest name in women’s basketball after a historic career in the collegiate scene and her first season in the WNBA. With her fame and superstardom, Clark has often been the focal point of fans’ discussions about the sport, giving her much more media attention than most.

Talking on an episode of the Iowa Hawkeyes on 247 Sports on YouTube, Caitlin Indiana Fever star explains how he remained humble throughout the fans' constant discussions and media attention around her. She also cited how her parents played a huge role in shaping her attitude as she became a women’s basketball superstar.

“I think it’s having that balance of being a good sport whether you win or you lose. But at the same time I think that was how I was raised. My parents had expectations like you’re going to be the same person you are whether you win whether you lose, you’re not going to brag about winning or you’re going to pout about losing and blame other people,” Clark said. (11:22-11:47)

Clark also stated that she tries to calm herself down every time she talks to fans or the media after the game as she understands how emotions on the court could spill outside of it.

“Everytime I step up to the podium and talk after the game, you know, I try to take some time and you calm down a second while everybody gets fired up whether you win or whether you lose and then try to look at it with great perspective,” Clark said. (11:44-11:59)

Clark was named the 2024 TIME Athlete of the Year following a superb rookie season in the WNBA. The Indiana Fever star averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists to lead the Fever to their first playoff appearance in 2016. She was also named one of the two rookie All-Stars in the league alongside her rival Angel Reese.

Caitlin Clark among the top favorites to win the 2025 WNBA MVP

After a successful rookie season, many believe that Caitlin Clark could win the Most Valuable Player award sooner rather than later. According to VegasInsider, the Fever has the second-best odds to win the MVP nod next season.

Reigning MVP A’Ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces tops the list at +200 odds with Clark coming in at +250. The two WNBA superstars were followed by Napheesa Collier at +500, Breanna Stewart at +700, and the reigning WNBA champion Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty at +2000.

Caitlin was named the Rookie of the Year last season. WNBA legend Candace Parker is the only player in history to win the league’s MVP award in her rookie year at just 22 years, the same age as Clark today. It is expected for Clark to close in on the coveted award once the season starts.