In a moment that showcased the camaraderie and spirit of the WNBA, Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s superstar rookie, extended heartfelt support to her former teammate Katie Lou Samuelson following the latter’s devastating season-ending injury. Samuelson, a seasoned forward, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee during a Seattle Storm practice on May 1, 2025, ruling her out for the entire 2025 WNBA season. The news sent shockwaves through the basketball community, but Clark’s touching gesture underscored the deep bonds forged on and off the court.
Samuelson, who played alongside Clark during the 2024 season with the Indiana Fever, had recently parted ways with the team through a mutual contract buyout in February 2025. She signed with the Seattle Storm, marking her second stint with the franchise, and was poised for a comeback after a challenging year. Having lost 15 pounds and describing herself as in the best shape of her professional career, Samuelson was thriving in training camp. However, the ACL tear abruptly halted her momentum, leaving her grappling with emotions of devastation, confusion, and disappointment. In a candid social media post, she expressed her heartbreak but also her determination to recover, writing, “The feeling I had both physically and mentally on the court before gives me the hope and confidence that I can get back to that place.”
Clark, who has taken the WNBA by storm with her record-breaking performances and was named TIME’s 2024 Athlete of the Year, wasted no time in showing her support. Commenting on Samuelson’s post, Clark wrote a simple yet powerful message: “Love you Lou.” The gesture resonated deeply with fans and players alike, highlighting Clark’s humility and empathy despite her meteoric rise to fame. The two had developed a close bond during their time with the Fever, with Samuelson even dubbing Clark an “elite babysitter” after the rookie cared for her 10-month-old daughter, Aliyah, during a game against the New York Liberty in July 2024.
The WNBA community rallied around Samuelson, with players like Natasha Cloud and coaches like Seattle’s Noelle Quinn offering words of encouragement. Quinn, devastated by the injury, praised Samuelson’s potential, noting she was expected to have a “great year.” The Storm, committed to supporting Samuelson’s recovery, will cover her $90,000 salary for the season, despite her non-protected contract. Samuelson’s resilience shines through as she leans on her past experiences, including maternity leave in 2023, to fuel her comeback.
Clark’s support for Samuelson reflects the WNBA’s tight-knit culture, where players lift each other up in times of adversity. As Clark continues to shine with the Fever, her gesture serves as a reminder of the human connections that define the sport. For Samuelson, the road to recovery will be long, but with the backing of Clark and the basketball world, she’s poised to return stronger than ever.(
