The Carver Hawkeye Arena was buzzing as fans watched Kate Linklark back in action, though this time sporting an Indiana Fever jersey instead of her traditional Iowa colors. It was the Fever’s second preseason game, which was particularly notable as the Brazilian national team came to Iowa City for a matchup.
In what became a lopsided affair, the Fever overwhelmed Brazil 108-44. During the second quarter, a touching moment occurred when Brazilian head coach Leo Figuero approached Clark during a timeout. “You’re a great player, congratulations,” he told her, adding, “You’ve changed the history of basketball.”
Clark responded appreciatively, saying, “I’m grateful. Thank you for coming here and playing us.” She then surprisingly shifted the focus onto Team Brazil, asking Figuero about the players they had faced. He confirmed with a “Yes.”
After the game, despite the significant loss, the Brazilian team expressed no hard feelings. They enjoyed the atmosphere and interacted with fans and players alike, showcasing their skills. Clark took the opportunity to reflect on the crowd and her time in Iowa. “I certainly give the fans something to cheer on, and that’s my goal,” she shared. “Get them loud and engaged. I told my teammates this would be the biggest arena they’ve ever played in.”
Clark made an impression, scoring 14 points in just over 18 minutes, reminiscent of her college days with the Hawkeyes.
This matchup highlighted Clark’s ongoing evolution in the sport, as she steps into her second year with the WNBA as the 2024 Rookie of the Year. It served as a reminder of her influence in transforming basketball and women’s sports as a whole.
