When it comes to Caitlin Clark, the generational basketball phenom, everything is a spectacle—even her brother Blake’s engagement. The former Iowa State quarterback traded the pigskin for a sparkling diamond ring and popped the question to his girlfriend Anna Tystahl. Naturally, Caitlin couldn’t help but steal a bit of the spotlight by chiming in with her heartfelt—and predictably competitive—congratulations.
Instagram Proposals and Nail-Repair Chronicles
Blake’s proposal to Anna was nothing short of Instagram-perfect. Photos showed the big moment: Blake down on one knee, Anna showing off a shiny new ring, and the couple basking in their newly minted engagement glow. But Anna, true to form, wasn’t about to let a missing nail ruin her moment of fame. The final frame of her Instagram reel revealed her casually fixing her manicure, because apparently, you can’t fully celebrate love without all ten fingers looking immaculate.
Anna captioned her reel with a swoon-worthy, “Engaged to my best friend. I will love you forever, Blake Clark.” In response, the comments section erupted like a Hawkeyes fan section after a buzzer-beater, with Caitlin herself leading the cheers. “I love you two. Can’t wait,” she wrote, subtly marking her territory as the coolest sibling ever.
Kate Martin: Forever the Teammate
Not to be left out, Caitlin’s former Iowa Hawkeyes teammate, Kate Martin, slid into the comments with a succinct yet supportive “Congrats.” Because what’s a Clark family milestone without a little team spirit? Kate knows the Clarks well, and it seems she wouldn’t miss the chance to join the celebration—virtually, at least.
Sibling Rivalries, Water Balloons, and Role Models
This engagement is just the latest chapter in the saga of the hyper-competitive Clark family. Caitlin has often credited Blake for inspiring her unrelenting work ethic. In a 2021 interview with The Gazette, Caitlin gushed about her big brother’s influence, saying, “He wasn’t the most talented or skilled, but he outworked everyone. That’s what I admire.”
But let’s not forget the darker side of sibling dynamics. According to family matriarch Anne Nizzi-Clark, Blake and his younger brother Colin once made a childhood sport out of pelting Caitlin with water balloons while she was bundled up in a snowsuit. Ah, brotherly love. Blake defended the antics, saying, “It was hot, humid, and she wanted to play with us. So, yeah, she had snow gear on. Problem solved.”
Athletic Genes and Big Game Moments
The Clarks are basically Iowa’s version of the Manning family. Brent Clark, the dad, played college basketball, while mom Anne is the daughter of a football coach. Blake’s college football days were no joke, and younger brother Colin took his talents to Dowling Catholic High School’s basketball team. Competition wasn’t just a family pastime—it was a lifestyle.
Now, with a wedding on the horizon, the Clark family’s competitive streak will probably shift to planning the ultimate engagement party. Knowing Caitlin, she might turn it into a free-throw contest just to spice things up.
The Real Winner? Anna Tystahl
Anna, if you’re reading this, congratulations on joining the sports dynasty that is the Clark family. Brace yourself for a lifetime of competitive board games, trash-talking over holiday dinners, and, of course, Caitlin stealing the show at every family gathering.
But hey, at least you’ve already proven you can handle the pressure—missing nail and all.
