Caitlin Clark, a six-foot guard from the University of Iowa, has become a towering figure in NCAA basketball. In the 2024 WNBA draft, she was selected as the first pick and quickly proved her worth as the assist leader, All-Star, and future Rookie of the Year.
Her impressive achievements—such as becoming the NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader and breaking multiple records—were highlighted when she appeared as a guest on the New Heights Podcast, hosted by NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce.
The podcast started with the Kelce brothers humorously acknowledging Caitlyn’s record-breaking career. They joked about how her achievements made their own NFL records seem insignificant, setting the stage for an interview packed with both humor and substance. Throughout the interview, Caitlyn, known for her humble personality, spoke candidly about her incredible journey, from college to the WNBA.
One of Caitlin’s most meaningful accomplishments, according to her, was being named an Academic All-American—a title that deeply resonated with her mother, who took pride in her daughter’s academic achievements. While Caitlyn is proud of her sports success, she emphasized that records were never her primary goal; instead, they were a natural byproduct of her hard work and enjoyment of the game.
Among her standout achievements, Caitlin also spoke about being named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year. This recognition, she said, was not only a personal honor but also a significant milestone for women’s sports. It was a rare instance of a female athlete receiving such an accolade, and Caitlyn was proud that her recognition highlighted the growing visibility of women’s sports.
The conversation then shifted to Caitlyn’s long-standing admiration for the Kansas City Chiefs. Growing up in De Moines, Iowa, she had been a Chiefs fan long before they became a championship powerhouse. This fan connection led to some fun banter with Travis Kelce, as Caitlyn reminisced about attending Chiefs games and sharing her family’s passion for the team. She even made a request to attend a playoff game, which Travis eagerly extended an invitation for, much to Caitlyn’s delight.
Caitlyn also shared her basketball origins, recalling how she received her first college recruiting letter when she was just in seventh grade—far earlier than most athletes experience this milestone. Despite this, her parents ensured that she remained grounded and focused on enjoying her youth. As she continued her high school journey, Caitlyn stayed humble and focused on the sport, only deciding on her college destination during her senior year.
When discussing her rookie season in the WNBA, Caitlyn reflected on the challenges of transitioning to professional basketball while finding her place within her new team. She spoke about the balance between standing out as a top player and blending in with her teammates, as well as the importance of having strong veteran leadership to help her through the adjustment.
As Caitlin considered the future of basketball, she offered her thoughts on why NBA ratings have dropped in recent years. She suggested that fans may not fully appreciate the skill of NBA players, noting that the game has evolved, with less physicality and more emphasis on skill.
She also discussed the popularity of football in America and how it competes with basketball for attention. Caitlyn’s candid and insightful analysis reflected her deep understanding of the sport and its audience.
The interview wrapped up with Caitlin discussing her future beyond basketball. While she is passionate about the game, Caitlyn also holds a marketing degree and envisions a future where she could work in sports management or operations, helping shape the future of sports in new and exciting ways.
She acknowledged the rapid pace of change in her life, expressing gratitude for the opportunities she’s had while staying grounded in her humble beginnings.
The podcast was a revealing look at the life and mindset of Caitlin Clark, showcasing her remarkable accomplishments, her love for sports, and her vision for the future. She continues to inspire both on and off the court, and her story is far from over.
