Inside Caitlin Clark’s life from WNBA heroics to relationship with Indiana Pacers coach

WNBA All-Star Caitlin Clark was born in the small rural town of Des Moines, Iowa. Before being drafted No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever and dating a coach on the Indiana Pacers, her life was marked by a passion for sports early on, particularly basketball.

Clark’s basketball career is distinguished by several accolades and records. She holds the all-time NCAA scoring record with 3,951 points, the single-season scoring record with 1,234 points, and is the all-time leader in assists with 1,144. Additionally, she has the record for the most career 3-pointers with 548.

Off the court, Clark has maintained a private relationship with Connor McCaffrey, a former multi-sport athlete at Iowa. Despite being known for always saying the politically correct things in the press, the Fever guard’s early basketball career has been nothing short of polarizing, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike.

READ MORE: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese will play on same team after WNBA announcement

Clark’s polarizing status stems from her ability to shoot from deep range, an undeniable on-court swagger, and a media spotlight that often outshines even the most seasoned veterans. The blend of attributes has ignited fierce debates, especially regarding Olympic roster selections, with many arguing for her inclusion not just for her skills but also for her immense influence on merchandise sales and the sport’s growing popularity.

Her presence is seen as a game-changer, both on and off the court, making her one of the most talked-about figures in basketball today. Clark, Reese, along with several 2024 WNBA rookies, seasoned league veterans, and influential analysts, have collectively spearheaded the WNBA’s growth to unprecedented heights.

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Caitlin Clark poses in her Dowling Catholic High School jersey

Clark started her basketball career at Dowling Catholic High School, where she led to three consecutive state championships and was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for Iowa in 2019 and 2020

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Caitlin Clark shoots a jumper during her freshman season

After a decorated high school career, Clark committed to play college basketball for the University of Iowa, choosing the Hawkeyes over big programs like Oregon and Iowa State

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Caitlin Clark handles the ball against Diamond Miller

As a freshman, Clark had an exceptional season, averaging 26.6 points per game and leading the Big Ten in scoring. She was honored as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and received All-Big Ten First Team recognition

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Caitlin Clark shoots over Laila Phelia

In her second year, Clark continued to excel, averaging 27 points per game and leading the nation in scoring. She was named a consensus first-team All-American and was a finalist for the Naismith Trophy

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Clark is acknowledged by ex-coach Lisa Bluder

In her junior season, Clark set numerous records, including the Big Ten single-game scoring record, with a 49-point performance. She also led Iowa to a Big Ten regular-season title and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Tournament

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Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark

Clark’s basketball career and stature became closely tied to Angel Reese following a hand gesture during their national championship game, leading to divided opinions and alliances formed between the two future stars

Clark and her boyfriend together

Clark and McCaffery made their relationship official on Instagram last August, although keeping their life private with the exception of some photos and light banter in Instagram comments

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Clark poses with confetti after breaking the record

As a senior, Clark led Iowa to the national championship game. They were defeated by South Carolina. She was awarded the title of National Player of the Year, set a new NCAA record for career triple-doubles, and became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer

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Clark holds up her Fever jersey after being selection No. 1 overall

Following her college career, Clark was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, with city legends welcoming her to Indiana before the draft even occurred

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Caitlin Clark guards Diana Taurasi

WNBA legends like Diana Taurasi made headlines after sharing experience and wisdom for Clark entering the league, saying “reality is coming,” signaling rookie growing pains

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Clark is guarded by Cameron Brink

The Fever guard won WNBA Rookie of the Month in May, leading all rookies in points, assists, and minutes per game. She also broke the Fever record for rookie assists in a season

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Clark lies on the floor after a flagrant foul

An incident surrounding a flagrant foul on Clark by Chennedy Carter sparked significant controversy and discussion about the physicality of the WNBA and the treatment of Clark

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Clark was selected as a WNBA All-Star

Despite a ‘snub’ from Team USA at the Olympics, Clark was selected to her first WNBA All-Star appearance in her rookie season, and the team will face the 2024 Paris Olympics roster