Caitlin Clark has new mindset heading into second WNBA season

Caitlin Clark says that things are going to be different this year.

Clark, 23, said that she is much more comfortable compared to last year’s season opener when she was making her WNBA debut after a whirlwind college season at Iowa that saw her break numerous NCAA records.

“Honestly, I don’t even really remember last year’s [opener],” Clark told ESPN this week. “Maybe that’s a good thing. I think [this year] it’s just going out there and having fun and being confident. I’ve been in this league for a year now. I know I belong. I know I can perform, and I can make my teammates better every single night. And that’s my job.

Caitlin Clark drives to the basket against the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter of a preseason game at Gateway Center Arena on May 10, 2025 in College Park, Georgia. Getty Images

“Not everything’s going to be perfect. Give yourself grace. There’s going to be really good moments. There’s going to be moments where you struggle. So just trying to stay as neutral as I can and stay positive. But … I’ve been in these moments before, and I’m ready for them.”

While reflecting on her rookie season, Clark compared the experience to being a freshman in high school and college.

“You show up in a new chapter of your life. You’re trying to prove to yourself — to everybody — that you belong, and you’re trying to find your way,” Clark added. “When you come into your second season … you know what the coach expects of you, you know your teammates, you know how things operate. You just have a different sense of confidence about you.”

Caitlin Clark is introduced prior to the preseason game against the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena on May 10, 2025 in College Park, Georgia. Getty Images

Clark finished last season averaging 19.2 points along with a league-leading 8.4 assists, earning her Rookie of the Year honors.

The Fever start off the 2025 WNBA season on Saturday against the Sky, with the two quickly becoming rivals due to Chicago having their own stars in Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.

Reese, when asked earlier this week about the extra attention on the WNBA thanks to her and Clark, shut down the question.

“Next question,” Reese said. 

Clark said she’s happy to have some extra meaning to these games.

“Rivalries are real, and that’s what makes sports so amazing,” Clark said. “There’s certain teams that those games just mean a little bit more. [We] come out here and play the same way every night, but [a rivalry] gets the fans involved, and they love it.”