Caitlin Clark has become a household name, attracting not only basketball and WNBA fans but also drawing in those who previously had little interest in the sport. However, with her rising fame, Clark has also faced her share of criticism, negativity, and even hate. Reflecting on resilience, the Indiana Fever star attributed her competitive nature both on and off the court to her Italian heritage.
Speaking at the 2024 Massachusetts Conference for Women, Clark shared insights into what keeps her grounded, easygoing, and resilient in the face of challenges and criticism. As it turns out, her strength may be a family trait.
Growing up in an Italian family on her mother’s side, Clark shared how she had to develop toughness early on, constantly going up against bigger and older competition in everything she did.
“I always had to find a way to hold my own,” Clark said. “Whether it was older cousins, whether it was the boys I was playing with, whether I was playing other big girls, whatever it was.”
She also reflected on how she wasn’t always the fiercely competitive Caitlin Clark fans know today. It was her losses, however, that shaped her and made her stronger.
“So, I think that’s what kind of drove me, and I failed a lot because people were older or people were better, and I couldn’t stand that,” Clark added. “And I think that’s what kind of gave me that competitive passion and that fire.”
