Obama's Advice to Caitlin Clark Resonates with Iowan, Boyfriend Connor McCaffery
Former President Barack Obama gave Iowa native Caitlin Clark some timely advice during WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, telling the Indiana Fever star not to let the political and racial controversies surrounding her career steal her joy. The moment was shared widely by those closest to her, including her boyfriend Connor McCaffery, the son of Iowa basketball coach Fran McCaffery.
McCaffery, a former Iowa Hawkeyes basketball player himself, posted a photo on his Instagram Story of Clark posing with Obama and Fever teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, adding three blue hearts. Even her former University of Iowa coach Lisa Bluder reposted the moment with a simple caption: Amen.
A Personal Message from a Former President
Clark arrived in Chicago on Friday for All-Star Weekend and joined Team Teresa Weatherspoon for practice at the newly opened Barack Obama Presidential Center. Obama, a known basketball fan, gave a short speech and then met with players individually.
When he reached Clark, he offered words of encouragement that struck a chord. Youre great. Youre fantastic. Dont let all this nonsense get you down, Obama told her, according to reports.
He added: I always say one of the things that was luckiest for me was, I didnt get famous til I was like 45. So I was an old a man. Youre my daughters age. Theyve not had that much immersion in nonsense. So dont lose that joy. The games like the game. And youre a hooper. And you hoop.
Clark replied humbly, I try, sometimes. But Obama quickly disagreed: No, youre always hooping! And youre on a nice little run right now.
Clark Reflects on the Encounter
The advice clearly resonated with the 24-year-old former Hawkeye, who has faced intense scrutiny since entering the WNBA in 2024. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver previously described her as a political football after a controversial incident with Alyssa Thomas.
It was obviously super cool, Clark said. He just complimented me for the way that I handle everything, obviously with everything thats been going on. Hes somebody that has been in front of the media quite a bit. And sometimes I think people dont always realize Im 24 years old, and Im trying to navigate a lot of different things while trying to play basketball at the same time.
She added: It was cool to hear that from him. And I think honestly its probably a good reminder for all of us, of treating people with respect, treating people with grace. Definitely a moment Ill probably remember for the rest of my life. My hands dont usually get pretty sweaty and clammy for certain things, but it did for that.
Iowa Connections Run Deep
For Iowa sports fans, the connection to Clark and McCaffery is a point of pride. Connor McCaffery, who played for the Hawkeyes from 2018 to 2023, has been a steady presence in Clarks life as she navigates the pressures of professional basketball. His father, Fran McCaffery, is the longtime head coach of the Iowa mens basketball team.
Clark, who led the Hawkeyes to back-to-back NCAA championship games in 2023 and 2024, remains one of the most recognizable athletes to come out of the state. Her transition to the WNBA has been marked by record-breaking performances but also by controversies that have divided fans along racial and political lines.
Looking Ahead to the All-Star Game
With the WNBA All-Star Game set for Saturday night at the United Center, Clark will once again be in the spotlight. But after Obamas words of encouragement, she heads into the showcase with a simple reminder: tune out the noise, keep hooping, and dont lose the joy of the game.
For Iowa fans watching from home, its a message that resonates beyond basketball.