Caitlin Clark Navigates Recovery and Trust Issues

Caitlin Clark has confidence in her skills on the court, but she’s still learning to trust her body after dealing with injuries.

Last season was a tough one for the WNBA standout who managed to play only 13 games due to various injuries. Reflecting on her recent decision to miss a game right before it started, she shared that it’s all part of her growing experience.

“At the end of the day, it’s really about my confidence,” Clark mentioned, having scored 22 points and assisted nine times in a recent win against the Valkyries. “Rebounding from an injury—especially with soft tissue issues—presents a genuine mental hurdle.”

This week, the WNBA took action, cautioning teams about their injury reporting policies after Clark was unexpectedly absent from the Fever’s injury list the day before a game. However, only two hours before the game against the Fire, Coach Stephanie White stated that while Clark was “healthy,” there was an “issue” that required “extra time to prepare.”

Clark revealed that she was in pain when she woke up on game day but found that her physical therapy session hadn’t alleviated her discomfort.

“I think there are times when it can get a bit confusing, and I get that,” she reflected. “I need to allow myself some grace, and I hope others can do the same. Dealing with so much can be pretty traumatic.”

With some time off, the Fever will have five days before their next matchup.

Having played 139 games in college and an additional 40 in her rookie season, Clark is gaining insight from the previous year. In retrospect, she acknowledges having pushed herself too hard, focusing on instant results rather than long-term health.

“These are the best players in the world,” she said. “And if you’re not fully confident in your body going into a crucial game, is it really worth it?”