WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark makes coaching admission as she leads Indiana Fever into new era

Indiana Fever’s shining star Caitlin Clark has shared her unique perspective on her role on the court, saying she feels like she’s not just playing but also coaching.

The ex-Iowa guard, who had a standout college career, quickly became the face of the WNBA after only one season. Clark scooped up the Rookie of the Year award and earned an All-Star title in her debut year with the Fever. Selected as the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark led the Fever to the playoffs, although their run was cut short in the first round by the Connecticut Sun.With the WNBA season set to kick off again this Spring, Clark and the Fever, now under the guidance of new head coach Stephanie White for the 2025 season, are looking ahead with optimism. The Indiana sensation recently opened up about her approach to the game, emphasizing her belief that she acts as an “extension” of her coach on the floor.

There’s always a game plan, there’s always a scouting report,” Clark remarked. “I think as a point guard, my first goal when a game starts is to get my teammates involved.”

She continued: “You don’t always want to come out firing right away. Sometimes you do, but I think getting your teammates involved, that’s going to make things a lot easier for myself. “It’s going to open up the court more. It’s my role to kind of orchestrate the team on the court and kind of be the coach on the court in a way. You need to be the extension of your coach.”

White, who stepped in as Christie Sides’ successor last November, is fully aware of Clark’s prowess on the court. The new Fever coach praised her new star earlier this year, saying in a Q&A with the Athletic: “She’s incredibly humble,” White remarked.

Caitlin Clark says she wants to take on a new role this season© Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

“She understands the big picture. So she views it understanding her celebrity, No. 1. But No. 2, she’s a Midwest kid, a Midwest person and she is who she is. She tries to live her life in an authentic way. But she’s very much Taylor Swift 2.0.

“So I think from my perspective, and from our staff and franchise, it’s how do we help her navigate all of this? How do we help her protect her peace? Because it can be a lot. How can we be a resource for her?It’s a different level now with social media and fan engagement. We want to be a resource and help protect her. She’s an incredible kid. I call her a kid, but she’s obviously a young woman. An incredible talent. She’s an incredible human being. She works her tail off. There’s a reason she is who she is in terms of a player. She’s handled all of this with such grace and poise that most 23 year olds wouldn’t be able to.”