Caitlin Clark's World Cup Run Brings Iowa Star Full Circle in Berlin
BERLIN — Caitlin Clark, the former Iowa Hawkeyes superstar now dazzling for the Indiana Fever, says her first experience at the women's FIBA World Cup has been a literal dream come true. Playing on the international stage for the first time, Clark told the Associated Press that the global enthusiasm for women's basketball is a welcome change of pace from the intense spotlight of the WNBA season.
“I certainly do feel the pressure that there's still so many people screaming my name. I look at it as we get to help advance the game globally,” Clark said. “This is my first time playing in Europe and getting to see how excited and passionate people are about the game here and where it can continue to go is really, really cool.”
The tournament offers Clark a brief respite from the grind of the WNBA calendar, though she insists she wouldn't trade her life for anything.
“It's maybe nice to get a little break of the craziness of the WNBA season,” Clark added, “but at the same time, I would never change anything, and I'm pretty used to it.”
From Iowa rivalry to Team USA teammates
Clark's journey from Iowa City to the world stage has been nothing short of historic. After leading the Hawkeyes to back-to-back NCAA championship games, including a memorable showdown with Angel Reese, Clark now finds herself sharing a locker room with her former rival. The pair have buried the hatchet, with Clark praising Reese's competitive fire.
“We're both fiery, fiery competitors and we want to win and it's one of the things I really admire about her game,” Clark said. “She's competitive and she has a tremendous motor, like she has one of the best motors in the league. She works just as hard as anybody on the court. So, it's been fun to be able to play with her.”
The chemistry between the two stars is a far cry from the intense battles they waged in college, and fans are finally getting the chance to see them play side by side on the same team.
Fans finally get the matchup they demanded
The outcry was palpable when Clark was left off the US team that won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now, with Clark healthy and the Fever in playoff contention, the World Cup is giving fans a preview of what they have clamored to see: Clark playing alongside the best players in the world.
“I think she's going to leave an incredible legacy. She certainly already has at this World Cup in particular,” said Risa Isard, director of research and insights at women's sports marketing platform Parity. “The legacy of this entire new and next generation of women's basketball players is really exciting. I mean the ceiling kind of does not exist.”
Clark's first international experience a 'pinch-me moment'
Women's basketball's popularity is exploding globally, and Clark takes great pride in being part of that growth. Being in Berlin with the cadre of US stars has been eye-opening for the Fever All-Star.
“When you get to see it up close and really understand the impact that you're having and the way that the game's been able to grow, that's special,” Clark said.
Clark shared a story about a fan who approached her before the USA's game against the Czech Republic, revealing they had traveled all the way from Australia just to watch her play.
“People are spending so much time and money, and people in surrounding European countries are coming here to be able to watch us, or get our signature or wear our jersey or try to get a photo. Sometimes you feel like that's just the United States, but you're coming to understand the game is really continuing to grow,” Clark said. “It is kind of a pinch-me moment to see.”
Clark turns to Coach K for advice
Like every player who dons the USA jersey, Clark understood she would have to assimilate into a star-studded cast. To help adjust to her role, Clark said she has watched videos online featuring Mike Krzyzewski, the former USA Basketball men's coach, addressing national teams that featured Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and other legends.
The former Duke coach emphasized that the only thing that matters is winning the gold. People wouldn't remember how many points a player scored, they would just ask if they won.
That message resonated with Clark and the legacy she is building.
“You have to set everything that you want to achieve personally aside,” Clark said. “At the end of the day, people don't care about that if you have a gold medal hanging around your neck. So, that's my goal and I think we have the group to do it.”
Adjusting to a new role on a loaded roster
Clark has come off the bench during pool play, averaging 7.6 points and 6.3 assists per game. Her debut against China was a standout performance: 14 points, 11 assists, and zero turnovers.
However, her shooting has been off, going just 4-for-16 from behind the 3-point line.
“That's normal for any shooter,” US coach Kara Lawson said of Clark's struggles. “They have stretches where you're hot, stretches where you're a little bit cold, but she provides a great playmaking aspect to our game.”
Clark entered the World Cup playing her best basketball of the season. Since the All-Star break, she has scored 20 or more points in 10 of 12 games and recorded double-digit assists in seven of those contests. But she doesn't need to do that on this team.
“Obviously there's probably still a lot of pressure on me to perform at this level, but I think that's a great thing about USA basketball, it isn't like the WNBA,” Clark said. “You're probably not going to come out here and score 30 and have 10 assists. That's just not reality because of the talent we have.”
What's next for Clark and Team USA
While Clark is already looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics, her immediate challenge is helping the US win a fifth straight World Cup title, which adds a tinge more pressure.
“You don't want to be the team that everybody talks about because you didn't win,” Clark said. “You want to do what's expected and that's to win a gold medal. I think it would certainly help and hopefully it's just a step in the direction of where I want to keep building and hopefully the goals that I want to achieve of hopefully playing in the Olympics in '28.”
Clark is correct: fans remember gold medal winners, and a title in Berlin would be a bookmark in the unfinished championship chapter of her résumé. For Iowa fans who watched her rise from a record-breaking high schooler to a college legend, seeing Clark on the world stage is a point of immense pride. Her journey from the cornfields of Iowa to the heart of Berlin is a testament to her work ethic, her competitive spirit, and the growing global appeal of women's basketball.
Frequently asked questions about Caitlin Clark at the World Cup
How is Caitlin Clark performing at the FIBA World Cup?
Clark is averaging 7.6 points and 6.3 assists in pool play while coming off the bench. She had a standout debut against China with 14 points, 11 assists, and zero turnovers, though her 3-point shooting has been inconsistent.
Why was Caitlin Clark left off the 2024 Olympic team?
Clark was not selected for the 2024 Paris Olympics roster, a decision that sparked significant public outcry. She is now expected to be a key part of the 2028 Olympic team.
How has Caitlin Clark's relationship with Angel Reese evolved?
Clark and Reese, who were fierce rivals in college, are now teammates on Team USA. Clark has praised Reese's competitiveness and work ethic, saying it's been fun to play alongside her.