Caitlin Clark, the standout rookie for the Indiana Fever, is currently out of action due to a right groin injury, her third soft tissue setback this season. For Clark, who’s never missed a game due to injury since high school, this stretch of rehabilitation and sitting out is unfamiliar territory.
During the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, which she couldn’t participate in, Clark spoke with Glamour about how injuries have reshaped how she views herself as an athlete. “This is the first time I haven’t felt like the young player who can sprint endlessly without consequences,” she admitted. “Being a pro means learning to take care of both your physical and mental health it’s been a journey.”
Clark has been leaning on the team’s sports psychologist, speaking with them frequently to address not just basketball but life outside of it. To speed up her recovery, she’s exploring every available option, including advanced therapies like red-light therapy, dry needling, and hyperbaric oxygen treatments. She also accompanied the team to New York for Tuesday’s game against the Liberty, consulting with several specialists while there.
Clark’s latest injury occurred on July 15. The Fever have yet to give a timetable for her return, and head coach Stephanie White had no update ahead of Tuesday’s game. For context, Clark missed three weeks earlier this season with a left quad strain and two weeks with a left groin injury.
So far, she’s played only 13 games this season, posting strong all-around numbers 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists but struggling with efficiency. Her shooting has dipped significantly to 36.7% overall and 27.9% from beyond the arc, including just 2-for-35 on the road.
Still, Clark’s presence has made a difference. Indiana is 8-5 when she plays, compared to 4-6 without her. While the Fever want her fully healthy, they’re also in a tight playoff race just 1.5 games ahead of the ninth-place Golden State Valkyries as of Tuesday. The longer Clark remains sidelined, the tougher it will be for Indiana to hold onto a postseason berth.
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