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Caitlin Clark Opens Up About Bitterness She Received From Indiana: ‘Hated me for good reason’

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated 4/19/24

There is no doubt who the most popular hooper is right now in the world of women’s basketball. Indiana Fever rookie star Caitlin Clark has taken the basketball universe by storm, and it goes all the way back to her days with the Iowa Hawkeyes. There is no stopping her popularity, especially with a lot riding on her shoulders. She’s not just expected to help the Fever turn their fortunes around but also be the new face of the WNBA.

“I think it just speaks to the excitement of what this summer is gonna bring. Like you said, women’s basketball in this state is incredible,” Clark said when she learned that 6,000 people showed up to the Fever’s Draft Watch party, per Dustin Schutte of Sports Illustrated.

“Grace (Berger) knows that better than anybody else. I hated playing at Indiana and they hate me, so hopefully a lot of them turn into Indiana Fever fans.”

Caitlin Clark Used to be “Hated” in Indiana

During the same press conference, Clark also said that Indiana fans used to dislike her, which was understandable because she played for the Hawkeyes, a rival of the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten conference. But they will all have to root for Clark now, and she’s already feeling the warmth of Indiana fans.

“They hated me for good reason. It’s a hard place to win at. I mean, 6,000 people to stare at a screen and see who gets picked in the draft is pretty incredible. I expect big numbers this summer. I think people couldn’t be more excited about where this organization is going with the people on this roster and the potential. But women’s basketball, in general, people know it’s special, people know this draft class was special — the talent across the board. I think it’s just gonna continue to elevate the league and take it to greater heights.”

Clark is expected to make her WNBA debut with the Fever less than a month away, as Indiana is scheduled to face the Connecticut Sun on the road on May 14.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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