Obama Advises Caitlin Clark to Ignore the Noise During WNBA All-Star Weekend
CHICAGO — In a surprise appearance at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center on Friday, former President Barack Obama offered some fatherly advice to Iowa native and WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark: tune out the negativity and keep playing with joy.
Speaking ahead of WNBA All-Star practices, Obama engaged with players and addressed the intense scrutiny surrounding Clark, the former University of Iowa standout who has become one of the most talked-about athletes in the country.
“Don’t let all this nonsense get you down,” Obama told Clark. “One of the things that was luckiest for me was I didn’t get famous until I was like 45. So I was an old-ass man. You’re my daughters’ age. They’ve not had that much immersion and nonsense. So don’t lose that joy. The game’s the game.”
Clark, now in her third season with the Indiana Fever, has faced an unprecedented level of public attention and criticism. The 24-year-old acknowledged the pressure but said Obama’s perspective resonated.
“The president is probably one of the best people to understand how the spotlight might feel,” Clark told reporters. “Obviously, I’m not on the same level as that. But there are going to be some people that love you and some people that hate you. That’s just the reality of the world when you get into a position like this.”
A Rising Star from Iowa
Clark’s journey from West Des Moines to the national stage has been nothing short of remarkable. She led the Iowa Hawkeyes to back-to-back Final Four appearances, capturing the hearts of fans across the state and beyond. Her transition to the WNBA has been equally impressive, earning her three All-Star selections.
But with fame has come a darker side. Clark has been at the center of heated online debates, with racist and abusive messages directed at players. The WNBA and its players’ union recently met to address the issue, which has escalated in recent months.
“There is definitely a misconception about who she is as a person,” said Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell. “She’s goofy, fun, and caring.”
Balancing Business and Joy
Despite the noise, Clark has remained focused on her game and her growing list of endorsements. During All-Star weekend, she unveiled a new line of Wilson basketballs and promoted her Nike signature shoe. She also made time for fans, including a young girl in an Indiana Fever jersey.
“It’s fun to get to play with other people who are still skilled and talented at what they do,” Clark said, highlighting the camaraderie of the All-Star event.
Her father, Brent, watched proudly from the front row as she spoke about her childhood, including getting in trouble for taking her basketball outside. Her mother recalled a school project where Clark listed her goals: a college scholarship, reaching the WNBA, and getting a Bernese Mountain dog.
Conservative Values in Sports
For many Iowans, Clark represents the best of Midwestern values: hard work, humility, and a commitment to family. Her rise to fame has been a source of pride for the state, and her ability to handle adversity with grace resonates with conservative audiences who value personal responsibility and resilience.
As Obama noted, the key is to keep perspective. “Don’t lose that joy,” he said. “The game’s the game.”
Clark seems to have taken that advice to heart. Despite the challenges, she remains focused on what matters most: playing the game she loves and inspiring the next generation.