Allison Barber, President and COO of the Indiana Fever, showered praise on Caitlin Clark in a recent press conference but raised doubts about whether other US athletes could replicate her most defining skill set. When asked how other athletes might learn from Clark’s composure, Barber was candid about just how unique the WNBA rookie is.
“Caitlin is one of one,” Barber began. “I’ve worked with a lot of great people, but there’s no one quite like her. She’s only 22, already a multi-millionaire, and she carries this immense pressure on her shoulders with such grace. She handles the media like a seasoned pro and always knows how to navigate tricky situations.”
However, Barber was quick to highlight that Clark’s skills aren’t something just anyone can pick up. “People will definitely be inspired by her, and they might try to learn from her, but honestly, I’m not sure just anybody could. It’s a combination of her family upbringing, her Iowa roots, and her coaches that have molded her into who she is.”
A Rookie’s Leadership in Full Display
Clark, alongside Fever stars Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, helped lead Indiana to their first playoff appearance since 2016. Despite being knocked out in the first round by the Connecticut Sun, the Fever’s 2023-24 season is considered a huge success. With a promising young core, the team has high hopes for a deeper playoff run next season.
Caitlin Clark’s Generosity Shines Through
Barber also revealed an incident showcasing Clark’s generosity, cementing her as a standout both on and off the court. Since her WNBA debut, Clark has driven a surge in game attendance and viewership. Noticing the packed arenas during away games, Clark advocated for the league to pay bonuses to the away team players—a gesture of kindness few rookies would think of.
“When we played away games, they were always sold out,” Barber recalled. “After a few games, Caitlin approached the WNBA and asked if they could pay bonuses to the away team players. That’s just the kind of heart she has.”
Although the league ultimately denied Clark’s request, citing various financial complexities, Barber wasn’t shy in drawing a comparison between Clark and another sports icon. “Nike has compared her to Tiger Woods for her ability to draw new fans to the sport,” Barber revealed.
With such high praise and a legacy already forming, it’s clear Caitlin Clark isn’t just a rookie — she’s on her way to changing the game forever. But as Barber suggested, don’t expect every athlete to follow in her footsteps. Some things, like Clark’s poise and heart, simply can’t be taught.