INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark made the most of her exclusion from the U.S. Olympic team.
During the break, she traveled to Mexico, attended a friend’s wedding in Iowa, and even visited the New York Yankees’ clubhouse. As she returned to practice on Tuesday, the Indiana Fever star was rejuvenated and ready to resume the WNBA season.
For Clark and the rest of the impressive rookie class this year, the nearly month-long Olympic break provided a much-needed rest before the final push towards the playoffs.
“The break was very helpful in resetting,” Clark stated. “Coming in, I didn’t know my teammates well, and we were just trying to figure each other out on the court. I felt more comfortable in the games leading up to the break, so I knew I needed the break.”
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Clark wasn’t the only one feeling this way.
In Chicago, coach Teresa Weatherspoon noted that her two rookie stars — Angel Reese of LSU and Kamilla Cardoso of South Carolina, both NCAA champions — returned re-energized after a whirlwind year.
These rookies faced intense pressure from the start, playing in front of sellout crowds, dealing with high ticket prices, and striving to meet growing expectations.
Weatherspoon said, “Coming from college, they played year-round, so the body needed a break. It’s important for the body to rest and remain productive.”
The fast pace continued with only eight days between the NCAA championship and the WNBA draft, followed by two weeks until training camp.
As the rookies began their 40-game regular season in mid-May, the schedule was even more challenging due to the shortened break.
“Mentally, we are all refreshed,” said Reese, who indulged in some shopping in Paris during the break. “We needed that break from playing back-to-backs and long road trips. This Olympic year was a treat, and now I look forward to it every year.”
Despite the break not coming again until 2028, Clark and Reese could potentially be part of the U.S. team in Los Angeles, with Cardoso aiming to represent Brazil.
However, the trio definitely benefited from this year’s break.
Cardoso, who missed the Sky’s first six games due to injury, got extra time to recover. Reese and her teammates also had a chance to heal.
During the break, Clark bonded with her teammates, engaging in activities like a “home run derby,” an Indianapolis ropes course, and a visit to the Indiana State Fair.
Now, it’s time to focus on basketball again.
“We definitely need a game,” remarked Fever coach Christy Sides after a practice game. “It’s time for some competition. It’s been a while.”
Indiana and Chicago are gearing up for the playoffs, holding the final two spots in the league’s eight-team bracket.
The Fever have 14 games remaining, starting at home against Phoenix and Seattle. These opponents have four players returning from the Olympics with gold medals.
The Sky have 16 games left, beginning with a home game against Phoenix followed by a three-game road trip.
What matters now is the race to the playoffs.
“I’ve been eager to start playing games for a while,” Clark expressed. “We’re all ready and itching to get out there and play more games. The preparation has been good, but now we just want to hit the court.”
AP Sports Writer Andrew Seligman contributed to this report.
