Indiana Fever’s young star Caitlin Clark is making waves in the WNBA, and it’s becoming clear that her fierce drive and on-court energy might just be a family trait. Her impressive preseason performance has drawn eyes once again, but it’s her father, Brent Clark, who recently stepped into the spotlight with heartfelt reflections on both her journey and the league’s officiating.
Caitlin, who earned the 2024 Rookie of the Year title, is known not just for her talent but also for her emotional presence during games — she accumulated six technical fouls during her rookie season, just one short of a suspension. According to Brent, that intensity is something they share. Reflecting on his own athletic past, he admitted he was no stranger to passionate displays during his playing days. “I see a lot of myself in her,” Brent said, recalling heated moments on the court from his college years. Yet, he also acknowledged that Caitlin has shown more poise and self-control than he did at her age.
“She’s got that same fire, but she’s smarter about how she handles it,” Brent explained. While he was often drawn into confrontations, Caitlin appears to manage her emotions with a level of maturity he admires. The elder Clark candidly noted that he wishes he had possessed a bit more of her calm and awareness when faced with tough situations back when he played for Simpson College.
Fast forward to May 4, 2025, Caitlin was once again dazzling fans in a preseason exhibition game against Brazil held in Iowa City. Her father, watching from the sidelines, took the opportunity to comment publicly during a live interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe. He turned the focus to the broader game, particularly how officials are handling matches across the league. Brent expressed that while there’s still room for growth in WNBA officiating, there were encouraging signs during the exhibition. He noted a noticeable improvement, stating that when games are called more fluidly, fans tend to enjoy the product more.
Despite the usual scrutiny over officiating, there was little to complain about after Caitlin and the Indiana Fever delivered a stunning 108–44 victory over Brazil. The win was not just a showcase of Caitlin’s evolving skills but also a testament to the Fever’s strength as they gear up for the new season. As Caitlin continues to rise, her father’s support and straight-shooting opinions are adding depth to her growing legacy, making the Clark family one of the most talked-about duos in women’s basketball today.
