WNBA Superstar Clark had carried the Fever to their first playoff appearance in eight years in 2024, raising expectations sky-high. But this year, she was hit with a series of injuries, starting with a quad issue, followed by left and right groin strains. These eventually forced the 2024 WNBA rookie of the year to shut down for the season. This is particularly striking given Clark’s track record.
During her four seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes and her rookie year with the Indiana Fever, she never missed a game due to injury. The 2025 campaign marked the first real setback of her career. However, from the sidelines, she embraced her new role as part motivator, part mentor, offering encouragement to her teammates. Yet, sitting out was undeniably difficult for a player as fiercely competitive as Clark.
Announcing her season-ending decision, she admitted it was “incredibly frustrating, but even in the bad, there is good.” Fortunately, Clark hasn’t faced the challenge alone. She’s had the full backing of her team and support from veterans across the league, including fellow WNBA guard Sydney Colson, who shared her own hard-earned wisdom after suffering a torn ACL in August.
What Advice Sydney Colson Has for Fever Superstar, Caitlin Clark?
Speaking on the Good Follow podcast on October 9, Colson revealed the advice she gave Clark during her recovery.
“I would be talking to her a lot — Make sure you’re still being vocal. You don’t want to lose this time with your teammates.”
“Because you’re injured or sidelined, you’re still using that opportunity to lead or to grow relationships. Don’t let it be a wasted season because you can’t physically contribute.”
Colson emphasized that injury layoffs, while difficult, can be pivotal for leadership growth. She also admired how Clark stayed engaged and positive through the setbacks.”
“I think her desire to become a better leader, and to come back — because there were times where she thought she was coming back, and then it wasn’t happening, or another little thing would happen that turned into a big thing.”
“But to see her fun side, that was an important part. To see her being jovial, and lighthearted, and having fun with her teammates, I don’t think that was a side people saw a lot last season.”
Colson’s comments reflect an important truth about Clark’s evolution: while her scoring and playmaking define her on-court brilliance, her leadership and resilience could shape the next phase of her career.
Clark, 23, a two-time WNBA All-Star and the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick, managed just 13 games this past season. She last played on July 15, when she suffered a groin injury in the final minute against the Connecticut Sun.
Despite losing their star, the Fever showed impressive fight under coach Stephanie White, finishing 24–20 and reaching the semifinals before falling to the Las Vegas Aces in a thrilling 107–98 overtime Game 5 in Atlanta.
Clark, meanwhile, has reportedly declined a spot in the new 3×3 “Unrivaled” league to prioritize her recovery and long-term health. Her focus remains fixed on returning at full strength for the 2026 WNBA season, which will be a comeback both her team and fans are eagerly awaiting.
If Colson’s advice holds true, Clark’s toughest season yet might also become one of her most defining.