Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark has quickly become one of the biggest names in basketball. But even as her star continues to rise, Clark recently admitted that she, too, has been awe-struck in the presence of legendary athletes. During a candid conversation on A Touch More Live—a podcast hosted by Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe as part of the WNBA All-Star Weekend—Clark revealed that NBA icon LeBron James is the one person who left her feeling genuinely starstruck. She recalled idolizing him as a child, saying he was her version of Michael Jordan. For Clark, growing up watching James dominate the NBA shaped her love for the game, and meeting him was a surreal full-circle moment. Steph Curry also made the list of players who had a major influence on her.
Despite her soaring popularity and the intense spotlight, Clark remains grounded. She shared that her rise still feels surreal at times, and she continues to be surprised by the recognition she receives from celebrities and fellow athletes. Her journey has been marked by humility and a deep appreciation for the opportunities she’s earned. Even as the face of a new generation of women’s basketball, Clark openly acknowledges how lucky she feels, reinforcing the authenticity that has endeared her to fans across the country.
LeBron James, known for supporting up-and-coming talent, has publicly praised Clark on multiple occasions. His most recent shoutout came in June after she made a strong return from a two-week injury break. Their mutual respect underscores Clark’s growing influence in the basketball world, not just as a standout performer but also as a symbol of the sport’s future. While many see her as the next big thing, it’s evident that she’s already earned her place among the elite—something even legends like LeBron recognize.
Clark’s national breakthrough didn’t happen overnight. Ranked No. 4 in her high school class, she was well-known among college hoops fans when she joined the Iowa Hawkeyes, especially for her explosive scoring ability. Yet her stardom hit new heights during her junior season. She fondly recalls rapper Travis Scott posting about her on social media after a tough loss to UConn in the 2021 NCAA tournament, which caught her completely off guard. Still, it wasn’t until her historic triple-double performance against Louisville in the 2023 Elite Eight—41 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists—that she truly felt her fame skyrocket. That stat line marked the first-ever 40-point triple-double in NCAA tournament history since assists became an official stat in 1984.
Now a household name, Clark earned the honor of captain for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game after racking up a record-breaking 1,293,536 votes. Although she was slated to participate in her first 3-point contest, a groin injury forced her to withdraw from the event. Still, her presence at All-Star Weekend remains strong. While she won’t take the court, she’ll be cheering from the sidelines, lending her energy to Team Clark. The All-Star festivities kicked off Friday night with the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with the main game following on Saturday evening. Even off the court, Clark continues to inspire and uplift her team—and her ever-growing fanbase.
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