Caitlin Clark might be known for breaking basketball records and leaving defenders in the dust, but according to the Iowa Hawkeyes coaching staff, her real secret weapon? Friendship. Yep, you read that right. The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year isn’t just dominating the hardwood because of her shooting range that seems to stretch to the moon. She’s also powered by a genuine bond with her teammates—because apparently, friendship is magic, and basketball is no exception.
Iowa assistant coach Raina Harmon, who’s been with the Hawkeyes long enough to know the difference between a fluke and real chemistry, spilled the tea during an interview with Taco-Bout Network’s “Fresh Tawk” (because where else would you talk about life and basketball over tacos?). Harmon shared how Clark and her teammates built something more than just a solid on-court partnership—they forged a bond deeper than the three-pointers Caitlin sinks on a regular basis.
“We’re just close. Really close,” Harmon said, probably resisting the urge to belt out a rendition of Friends Forever. “It doesn’t matter where people are from or what you believe—everyone’s in this tight-knit group. You could see Caitlin hanging out with Kylie [Feuerbach], or just as easily with Sydney [Affolter] or Hannah [Stuelke]. The respect and friendship run deep.”
Forget the old-school approach of “You don’t need to be friends, just be good teammates!” Harmon is laughing that off like it’s a bad TikTok trend. She’s seen the light, realizing that real success comes when you actually like your teammates off the court. Novel idea, right?
“When I first got into coaching, the mantra was all about, ‘We don’t need you to be friends, just good teammates,’” Harmon explained, likely rolling her eyes at the memory. “Sure, you can make that work, but it’s way better when you’re friends. You guys hang out outside of basketball, and it shows up on the court in how you play together.”
Clark, now tearing up the WNBA with the Indiana Fever and adding to her already legendary résumé, is proof that a little friendship goes a long way. From dominating the NCAA, smashing Pete Maravich’s all-time scoring record (sorry, Pistol Pete), and now transitioning seamlessly to the pros, her success isn’t just a solo effort.
It’s as if Clark and her teammates were living out some kind of basketball buddy movie, where everyone’s best friends and they take on the world together—minus the cheesy montages and slow-motion high-fives. So, the next time you wonder how Caitlin Clark keeps doing the impossible, just remember: it’s not just talent; it’s teamwork, trust, and, yes, a sprinkle of good old-fashioned friendship.
Because apparently, the best way to run up the score isn’t just nailing threes, but also being part of an epic squad who’s got your back. Who knew?
