Caitlin Clark, the breakout star of the WNBA and Indiana Fever’s No. 1 pick, has become known for her fearless play on the basketball court. But it turns out, there’s one thing off the court that still makes her a bit uneasy: cats. During her appearance at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge Pro-Am golf tournament this week, Clark shared a surprising childhood fear that has stuck with her into adulthood.
When asked about her biggest fear, Clark didn’t hesitate to reveal that she’s afraid of cats. This admission took many by surprise, especially given her fearless nature in sports. “I really don’t like cats,” she said, causing the crowd to burst into laughter. When probed further, Clark explained that her fear stems from a childhood experience with a particularly mean black cat that lived on her street. “It was so mean. I’m scarred… so I’m really scared of cats,” she confessed, much to the amusement of those around her. However, she quickly reassured everyone, saying, “Sorry if any of you have a cat. I like dogs, a lot!”
Despite this quirky fear, Clark has continued to make waves in the sports world. On the same day as the event, she participated in the Pro-Am, where her tee shot on the third hole nearly struck a spectator. Fortunately, the situation ended harmlessly, with the fan excitedly chasing after the ball as a souvenir. Later in the round, Clark made it up to a different spectator by signing a ball she accidentally hit, further showcasing her friendly and approachable personality.
Her lighthearted moments at the golf event, however, did little to overshadow her incredible achievements in the WNBA. After an outstanding rookie season with the Fever, where she was named Rookie of the Year, Clark has helped boost the league’s visibility, drawing increased viewership and attendance. Now, with a few months off before her second season begins, there’s speculation about whether she’ll participate in a winter league. Regardless of her decision, it seems likely that golf will remain a part of her off-season routine.
This candid and humorous revelation about her fear of cats only adds to the growing legend of Caitlin Clark, a player who continues to surprise fans with her talents both on and off the court. While she might dominate in basketball, it’s comforting to know she’s not immune to the same quirks that many of us experience.
Joe Seph