Caitlin Clark's Former Iowa Coach Blasts 'Crazy' Demands on WNBA Star

Caitlin Clark has spent much of her career dealing with attention far beyond the basketball court. From her social media activity to controversial plays in games, the Indiana Fever star has often been pushed to explain herself. Her former Iowa coach, Lisa Bluder, believes people expect far too much from the 24-year-old.

Lisa Bluder Defends Caitlin Clark From Constant Public Pressure

Clark's massive popularity has made even small things around her a major story. That was clear in September 2024 when Clark liked Taylor Swift's Instagram post endorsing Kamala Harris. Some conservative commentators criticized the three-time All-Star and seemingly wanted her to take a clearer stance.

When reporters asked if it was an endorsement, Clark stopped short of backing a candidate. Instead, she encouraged people to register to vote and learn about the candidates and their policies. It was an example of the Indiana star being asked to explain something that many other athletes might not have needed to explain.

The Chennedy Carter controversy was another example. After Carter's hard shoulder check on Clark in June 2024, the incident exploded online, with the Chicago Sky guard reportedly being subjected to online abuse. The Fever guard initially said she could not control what people said on social media, which drew criticism from DiJonai Carrington. Clark later pushed back, saying people should not use her name to push their agendas.

Bluder: 'She's a 24-Year-Old Young Adult Still Figuring the World Out'

Bluder, who coached Clark at Iowa before retiring, believes the constant expectations placed on her have become too much.

“Everybody wants her to be something,” Bluder said. “Well, she's a 24-year-old young adult still figuring the world out. She shouldn't have to have an opinion about everything, and if she does have an opinion, she should have to share it with everybody? It drives me crazy.”

A similar situation happened after a June 2026 game against the Phoenix Mercury. Alyssa Thomas' contact with Clark's throat during the Mercury's win was eventually assessed a Flagrant 2, and Thomas was suspended for one game. Thomas later said she had received death threats and racial slurs in the aftermath of the incident. There was pressure on Clark during this time as well to speak up against the abuse, and that was exactly what she did.

“Harassment, hate, none of that is OK. That goes for the opposing teams we play, that goes for my teammates, that goes for my coaches,” Clark said.

Clark's Rise to Stardom and the Price of Fame

Avoiding the limelight has been hard for Clark ever since entering the WNBA. She was the No. 1 pick in 2024 and quickly became one of the biggest stars in the league. Her rookie season saw her record 19.2 ppg, 8.4 apg, and 5.7 rpg and win the Rookie of the Year award.

Thanks to her booming popularity and the spotlight she has brought to the W, almost everything the Fever star does gets picked apart. Whether it is a social media like, a comment after a game, there is usually another debate waiting for Clark.

What's Next for Caitlin Clark and the Fever?

Currently, the 24-year-old is preparing for the 2026 Playoffs after an impressive regular season for her and the franchise. The Fever are set to take on the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, in the first round starting on Sunday.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.