"This brought tears to my eyes": Fans delighted after Caitlin Clark's compassionate act with Fever's assistant coach

Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark earned fans' plaudits and appreciation after visiting patients and families at a neonatal intensive care unit of an Indiana-area hospital.

This year's top overall rookie pick joined Fever assistant coach Tully Bevilaqua as they visited Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, interacting with patients and families at the facility's NICU department.

The two had their photos taken while also handing out autographed basketballs to the families, which brought smiles to everyone present in a video shared by the Indiana Fever on Wednesday.

Fans were touched by the gesture made by Caitlin Clark and the Fever as they shared their thoughts.

Below are what some of them wrote on X, formerly Twitter:

"'This brought tears to my eyes. Love how The Fever is truly part of the community,' a touched and appreciative fan said.

"'I love the energy Tully and Caitlin are bringing to that hospital. Looks like everyone enjoyed the visit, especially the kids! We need more stories like this,' a user, for his part, highlighted."

"Another, meanwhile, moved to underscore what the gesture was all about, writing, 'Bigger than basketball. This is so beautiful.'"

Some comments spotlighted the person that Caitlin Clark is, behind the fame and glitz of the WNBA.

"'The rest of the league could take note this is what Caitlin Clark brings to the table she cares as much about people or her fans then she does about basketball itself! ohh and she's really good at basketball,' one fan noted."

"'Someone said that she can be the greatest trash talker on the court, but outside the court she is this amazing human being, and I couldn't agree more, the most gentle and goofy person that always gives back to the community,' another chimed in.

"One user further said, 'Just a great video they're all stars, Cailtin lights up any room and brings smiles to everyone, a competitor on the court and just a caring person off it.'"

Then some just threw plain love to the Iowa Hawkeye legend.

"'This woman needs to be celebrated,' one fan suggested."

"Caitlin is an Amercian treasure!!" added another user.

Just as she is doing her fair share for the community, Caitlin Clark has been delivering on the court in his rookie season, averaging solid numbers of 17.8 points and 8.3 assists, both team-highs, to go along with 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals. Her steady play has helped the Fever (13-15) to remain in the mix for a spot in the postseason.

Caitlin Clark wants to be involved in the community

Apart from playing for the Indiana Fever and helping the team to steady competitiveness moving forward, Clark also wants to get involved in the community and make an impact there as well.

It was among the things she highlighted once the Fever drafted her first overall in this year's WNBA Draft.

The 22-year-old do-it-all guard said (via WRTV Indianapolis):

"I'm just excited. It's a new chapter, it's new faces. [Looking forward to] Making an impact on this community, having a lot of fun interacting with our fans. I hope Fever fans, whether they are now or have been fans, come to find how amazing our organization is."

Clark has been on a tear since the WNBA resumed following the Olympic break, averaging 26 points, 9.2 assists and 5 rebounds in their two wins to earn Player of the Week honors.