Former U.S. President Barack Obama delivered a powerful message to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, telling her directly, “Don’t let all this nonsense get you down.” This wasn’t some generic public statement either; Obama pulled Clark aside personally at her practice, offering words of encouragement that hit right when she needed them. The Fever have had a tough start but are leading the East with a 17-10 record, a sign Clark’s impact is real, even amid all the noise.
Obama’s Direct Message and Clark’s Humble Take
Cameras caught the incredible moment Obama spotted Clark off to the side of her practice at the Obama Presidential Center. He walked right up, gave her an embrace, and started chatting. His advice was gold: “You’re fantastic. Don’t let all this nonsense get you down.” Obama even shared his own experience, noting he didn’t get famous until he was about 45, contrasting it with Clark, who’s his daughters’ age. He urged her to “don’t lose that joy…and you’re a hooper.” When Clark humbly said she “try sometimes,” Obama shot back with, “No, You’re always hooping, and you’re on a nice little run.” After they posed for a picture, Clark admitted the whole thing was “nerve-wracking” but “super cool,” confirming he complimented her on how she’s handling everything.
What’s All This “Nonsense” He’s Talking About?
It’s not explicitly clear what Obama meant by “this nonsense,” but if you’ve been watching, you know every single move Clark and the Fever make is under a microscope this season. Remember that July 9 game where Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas made contact with Clark’s throat? Clark spoke out against threats made toward Thomas after the incident, which led to Thomas’s suspension and her own claims of harassment. Then, just this week, Clark’s teammate Sophie Cunningham sparked a viral debate with her stance on transgender women in women’s sports, and she hasn’t backed down. It’s a lot for any star, let alone one barely out of college.
Clark just earned her third straight All-Star nod, and with the WNBA All-Star Game on the horizon, she’s still putting in the work. It’s wild to think what else might emerge, but with words like those from a former President, you know she’s got some serious backing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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