Indiana Fever Star Caitlin Clark continues to recover from an injury-filled second season, sitting out from full 5-on-5 play as her lower body injuries heal. Caitlin, having just played 13 games her sophomore year has been limited by a left quad strain, groin issues, and a bone bruise on her left ankle, which occurred during rehab. 

Stephanie White, the head coach of Indiana Fever, said that the Fevers are taking a careful, gradual approach for the coming offseason. “We’re not jumping into anything that’s too much,” White said. “We have the ability to right now take it on a week-by-week basis, doing some 3-on-3, doing some 2-on-2, building into 5-on-5. She’s laying a really good foundation so she’s not having any setbacks or regression”(CBS Sports).

Sadly, Clark’s decision to rest means that she will not compete in Unrivaled, Athletes Unlimited, or any other overseas leagues during this year’s offseason. However she is targeting a return to competition in March as she hopes to join Team USA at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament, which will take place in San Juan Puerto Rico.

Clark’s rookie and early WNBA career have been historic despite the unexpected setbacks. She became the fastest player in league history to reach 150 three-pointers, and even while playing through injuries, she averaged 16.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists. White, praising Clark’s determination said “It’s frustrating as an athlete to go through injury, when you’re not able to do what you love to do . . . Certainly, having setbacks, then working your way back, then having another setback, all of that is frustrating” (CBS Sports).

Coach White has compared Clark’s impact on basketball to that of pop icon Taylor Swift, calling her “Taylor Swift 2.0” for her ability to attract fans and gain popularity.

For now, Clark’s comeback remains a steady process; one that is being built on  persistence, and the intense drive that led her to becoming a household legacy long before stepping foot in the WNBA.