Considering how bright the spotlight has been on Caitlin Clark over the past few years, it’s easy to forget that she is just 23 years old.
But Stephanie White, head coach of the Indiana Fever, is praising her superstar guard for the maturity she has shown while being thrust into nearly every debate involving the league.
During an appearance on 107.5 The Fan’s Query & Company radio program last week, White said that she felt Clark has been used as “a pawn” in several narratives over her career.
“I hate it all for Caitlin,” White said. “You know, she’s a 23-year-old kid who loves to play this game who is a pawn in a lot of other people’s games and a lot of other people’s narratives. And I hate that for her.
“She is so mature for her age … I mean, think back to when we were 23 years old. Holy cow. But she’s so mature.
“She has people in her corner and people that can help her. She gets it. She understands the big picture.”
Since entering the WNBA two years ago, Clark has been at the forefront of debates over race, officiating, player salaries and the current heated war of words of the league’s expiring collective bargaining agreement – which seems likely to cause a lockout.
Last week, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier — who serves as VP of the players association — slammed WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for allegedly saying in a private meeting that players “should be on their knees” thanking the league for the platform it has given them.
Speaking before Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Friday night, Engelbert refuted the claim, saying she was “disheartened” by Collier’s statement, adding: “Obviously I did not make those comments (about Clark).’
White also compared Clark to other sports megastars like Tiger Woods and Serena Williams, complimenting her poise in the face of such heavy scrutiny.
“You can probably name just maybe a handful more of athletes who have been the game changers and who have experienced what Caitlin Clark is experiencing,” White said. “No one can really relate to what she’s going through.
“I think the biggest thing is we can be there for her. We can offer perspective and do what we can to help deflect and navigate. But at the same time, it’s a life that she has to lead. And I think she does it admirably … with so much grace and humility.”