Caitlin Clark Admits 'Humbling Experience' After Stephanie White's Decision
Caitlin Clark has been itching to get back on the court for the Indiana Fever. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star's second season was cut short due to injury, limiting her to just 13 games in 2025.
Clark, however, was back to her usual best when she returned to competitive basketball for Team USA in March. She led the national team to a 5-0 record in the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, winning MVP honors along the way.
Clark is now fully healthy, and she's raring to go ahead of the 2026 WNBA season. The Fever kicked off training camp on Sunday ahead of their season-opener against the Dallas Wings on May 9.
Clark herself said during Sunday's practice that she's now 100% healthy. At the same time, however, the Fever head coach Stephanie White was quick to pump the brakes on the hype surrounding Clark. White made it clear that the Fever will take a cautious approach with Clark, prioritizing her long-term health.
Clark hasn't lost one bit of her competitive fire, but she admitted that she's also planning to be more prudent following an extended injury layoff.
"I was talking to Steph a little bit, and I'm the person that doesn't want to sit out a single rep. I want to be in there every single time," Clark said. "I want to be in there every single time. I just love competing and I love playing.
"None of that has changed, but just being a little bit smarter with my body and understanding what it takes."
White earlier said that Clark "doesn't have to be out there every rep." Clark addressed her coach's decision, explaining why she believes it is the right call.
"I think especially for camp days, these days are really long," Clark said. "You're on the court two and a half, three hours and putting in a lot of stuff.
"So taking care of my body at this point in the season is probably the most important thing. Whether that's recovery, whether that's pre-court treatment, whatever it is. I think it's those type of things."
Caitlin Clark on her #Fever return:
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 19, 2026
"I was talking to (Stephanie White) a little bit, and I'm the person that doesn't want to sit out a single rep. I want to be in there every single time. … None of that has changed, but just being a little bit smarter with my body. …" pic.twitter.com/U2eLdTi2Vl
This is a new experience for Clark, which she concedes will not be easy. Nevertheless, she also knows that it is necessary.
"I've never really sat on the sidelines before, so it's a very humbling experience," she said. "It gives me a good perspective on how to be a great teammate and a great leader and show up every single day."
Related: Sophie Cunningham Has Big Plans for Indiana Fever Teammates
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 7:30 AM.