WNBA’s Caitlin Clark on overcoming injury and mental toughness

Caitlin Clark lived up to the high expectations that followed her from a record-breaking career at the University of Iowa to the WNBA, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2024. However, her sophomore season in 2025 has been marred by setbacks—most notably, injuries. Currently sidelined with a right groin injury, Clark has already missed 11 games this year due to a string of health issues. In total, she has dealt with three separate injuries—an unfamiliar challenge for the star guard, who hadn’t missed a single game due to injury since high school.

During the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis—an event she was unable to participate in due to her injuries—Clark acknowledged that her injury-riddled sophomore season has been a challenge both physically and mentally, and shared how it has shifted her perspective and approach as an athlete.

“This is the first time I haven’t felt like a young body that can run around and sprint every day and just continue to do that,” Clark told Glamour Magazine. “Being a professional athlete, you really have to take care of both your body and your mind — it’s been a journey learning about that.”

While caring for the body is an expected part of being a professional athlete, Clark growing emphasis on her mental well-being has come in the form of regularly speaking with the Indiana Fever’s on-staff sports psychologist—something she says has become a vital routine. “I talk to them multiple times a week,” Clark shared, “not only to talk about basketball but other things in life, and that’s something that’s been important to me over the course of my career.”

Although there’s still no definitive timetable for her return, Clark and the Fever are exploring every available treatment option to accelerate her recovery. That includes innovative methods like red-light therapy, dry needling, and hyperbaric oxygen chambers, she told Glamour.

Clark has only played in 13 games this season, and while she’s still putting up decent numbers—16.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists—she’s been stuck in a tough shooting slump. Her shooting percentages have dropped across the board, hitting just 36.7% from the field and 27.9% from three. What’s really surprising is that she’s only made 2 of 35 three-pointers on the road.

Even with Clark’s shooting slump, the Fever are clearly better when she’s on the court — they’re 8-5 with her versus 4-6 without. That’s probably why both the team and Clark are eager to get her back soon to boost their postseason chances. As of now, the Fever sit just 1.5 games ahead of the ninth-place Golden State Valkyries.

The ultimate success of Caitlin Clark on overcoming injury will depend on her continued dedication to both physical recovery and mental well-being, as she aims to lead the Fever back to contention.