Following the Indiana Fever’s playoff elimination with an 87-81 loss to the Connecticut Sun, Caitlin Clark expressed her exhaustion and her intention to explore a different sport during the offseason.
“I was focused on beating the Connecticut Sun and hadn’t thought much about what’s next,” Clark shared with reporters. “I might play some golf until it gets too cold in Indiana. Who knows? Maybe I’ll become a professional golfer.”
Her teammate, Aliyah Boston, playfully responded, “Not too much, babe,” highlighting the lighthearted atmosphere among the players.
While the Fever would prefer that Clark stays focused on basketball and prepares for next season, she is looking forward to a break from the sport.
Clark has had a remarkable transition to the WNBA after a stellar college career at Iowa. She welcomes the offseason as a chance to recharge, especially since she doesn’t plan to play overseas like many of her peers who seek to supplement their income.
With substantial endorsement deals that far exceed her rookie salary of $76,535, Clark can afford to take time off. “Basketball has consumed my life for over a year,” she noted. “It’ll be good to reflect on everything that’s happened.”
The offseason will provide her with a much-needed pause to consider her rapid rise and the changes in her life. “Taking time for myself and enjoying that reflection is special,” Clark added, recognizing the accomplishments her team achieved against expectations.
Reflecting on the season, Clark acknowledged that it might feel strange at first to be away from basketball, but she anticipates eventually returning to the sport. “I’m sure I’ll get bored and pick up a basketball again,” she said.
As the No. 1 overall draft pick, Clark lived up to the hype during her rookie season, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game.
Throughout the season, she set multiple rookie records, including the highest number of assists (337) for a rookie and the single-game record of 19 assists. Additionally, she became the first rookie to achieve a triple-double and hit 122 three-pointers—second-most in a single WNBA season.
Clark’s impressive stats also include being the first rookie to be named Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month simultaneously, as well as producing standout games with 20+ points, 15+ assists, and 5+ rebounds.