After a strong rookie campaign in 2024, Caitlin Clark entered her sophomore WNBA season with high expectations. But halfway through 2025, the Indiana Fever star has struggled with injuries, which had led her to inconsistent playing. After the Fever lost to the Golden Valkyries on Wednesday, the guard opened up about the mental hurdles of missing matches.
“It’s honestly been hard, I’m not gonna lie to you,” Clark said ahead of her return. “It’s challenged me mentally. It’s really hard to stop and go, stop and go, stop and go, especially when you’re not feeling your best. Just trying to get my body as healthy as I can be and remain confident in myself.”
Clark, who had never missed a game in her four years at Iowa or her first WNBA season, has now missed 10 of the Fever’s first 20 games. A quad injury suffered in a May 24 loss to New York sidelined her for five games. She returned to drop 32 points in a win over the Liberty on June 14, only to injure her left groin 10 days later, leading to another five-game absence.
Clark rejoined the lineup on July 9 in a loss to the Golden State Valkyries, recording 10 points, six assists, and five rebounds. After the game, she admitted she’s still working her way back into game shape. “It’s going to take me a second to get my wind back,” she said. “There’s not anything that can replicate a true game… It’s kind of finding a balance. Just trying to get my legs under me.”
Caitlin Clark of Indiana Fever (Getty Images)
She acknowledged that dealing with back-to-back injuries has taken a toll on her mindset. “It’s difficult going to prepare for games, but knowing you’re not going to be playing in them,” Clark said. “It’s been so challenging because I’ve never been through this before.”
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Still, Clark’s production when healthy has remained among the league’s best. Through 10 games, she’s averaging 17.4 points, 8.6 assists (second-most in the WNBA), and 5.0 rebounds. She was recently voted an All-Star captain and remains third in MVP odds behind Napheesa Collier and Alyssa Thomas.
With the All-Star break approaching and the Fever sitting in playoff contention, Clark is focused on staying available. The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game takes place July 19 in Indianapolis.
