A guard from the Indiana Fever shared with Caitlin Clark what she expressed regarding managing the mental impact of her injuries
Indiana Fever standout guard Caitlin Clark didn’t miss any games because of injury throughout her four years of playing college basketball with the Iowa Hawkeyes. She similarly did not miss any games throughout her WNBA rookie season in 2024.
Consequently, it’s not surprising that Clark’s restriction to 13 games in the 2025 WNBA season due to multiple soft tissue injuries in her lower body had an almost equal mental impact on No. 22 as it did physically
Although Clark consistently maintained a courageous demeanor and cheered for her Indiana teammates throughout their journey to Game 5 of the WNBA Semifinals, fans observing her during games could easily detect her strong desire to return to the basketball court, aiding in directing the Fever’s offense
Sydney Colson Offers Leadership Tips That Caitlin Clark Received
Fortunately for Clark, she had many experienced individuals nearby who could offer her advice and assist her in managing the unfamiliar situation of being sidelined.
Fever guard Sydney Colson (who also missed time due to a torn ACL she incurred in August) discussed some advice she provided to Clark last season during an episode of Good Follow on October 9
“Colson remarked on being Clark’s teammate, ‘It was nice to witness her more playful side.'” “Particularly when she was hurt, you need to shift your perspective, you need to become mentally stronger, because she [hadn’t] faced a serious injury previously.” Thus, you are required to observe your team from the periphery.
“I would frequently remind her, ‘Ensure you continue to express yourself clearly.'” You don’t wish to squander this moment with your teammates. Since you are hurt or benched, you aren’t taking that chance to lead or develop connections. “Don’t allow it to be a lost season just because you can’t participate physically,” Colson remarked.
I believe her ambition to improve as a leader and return was strong — there were moments when she felt she was on track to return, but then it didn’t materialize, or something minor would escalate into a larger issue. However, witnessing her playful side was a crucial aspect. Witnessing her being cheerful, carefree, and enjoying herself with her teammates, I believe that was not a side many observed frequently last season
Colson wrapped up by saying to her, “I want more of that.”
It’s great to witness a league veteran like Colson being ready and capable of sharing this kind of insight with Clark during what turned out to be a challenging second WNBA season
