The spotlight has never been brighter for Caitlin Clark, and yet in true team-first fashion, she’s using her platform to shine light on the impact of others—particularly her Indiana Fever teammates. Since joining the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick, Clark has become the face of a franchise, a league, and arguably a generation of women’s basketball. But the young phenom is making it clear: she’s not alone in this journey. And if you ask her who’s been making waves in the locker room, she’ll gush about her new teammate who’s already made an unforgettable impact.
Clark’s journey from the hardwood at Iowa to the professional ranks has been met with wall-to-wall media attention, record-breaking viewership numbers, and the kind of pressure that could easily weigh down most rookies. But instead of shouldering the load in silence, the 22-year-old has embraced the opportunity to uplift those around her—and that starts with praising her teammates. When asked about who has impressed her the most since joining the Fever, Clark didn’t hesitate before beaming about her new running mate.
“She’s just unbelievable,” Clark said with a smile. “Her energy, her commitment, the way she competes every single possession—it’s been inspiring to watch up close. Honestly, she makes everyone around her better. She’s the kind of teammate who changes the culture in a locker room, and you feel her presence the moment she steps on the floor.”
While Clark didn’t name names initially, it didn’t take long for the basketball world to connect the dots. The player earning high praise from the rookie superstar is none other than Fever forward NaLyssa Smith, a former No. 2 overall pick in her own right and a dynamic presence on both ends of the court. Smith, now entering her third season in the WNBA, has wasted no time asserting herself as a cornerstone for Indiana’s rebuild, and her chemistry with Clark has been one of the early success stories of the Fever’s season.
“I can’t say enough good things about her,” Clark continued. “She runs the floor so well, she rebounds like a machine, and she knows how to find those pockets of space that make my job easier. It’s one thing to have talent, but it’s another to have that kind of work ethic and attitude. She’s the total package.”
For Clark, adjusting to the speed, physicality, and grind of the WNBA schedule has been a learning curve—but having veterans and emerging stars like Smith by her side has made the process more rewarding. On the court, their connection has been palpable. Smith’s ability to finish at the rim, crash the boards, and defend multiple positions has opened up the floor for Clark to operate with more freedom. And as the two continue to develop their rhythm, it’s clear that the Fever have something special brewing.
“I think we feed off each other,” Clark said. “When she’s locked in and aggressive, it sets a tone for the rest of us. And when I know she’s running with me, it gives me that extra boost to push the pace and look for those transition buckets. It’s that mutual trust that’s growing with every game.”
The chemistry isn’t just limited to the court. According to Clark, the bond with Smith extends into practices, film sessions, and even downtime off the hardwood. The Fever’s young core has made a conscious effort to build strong relationships, knowing that camaraderie and cohesion are critical to sustained success. For Clark, that support system has helped alleviate some of the intense pressure that comes with being a high-profile rookie in a rapidly growing league.
“There’s a lot of noise right now,” Clark admitted. “But when you’ve got teammates who are genuinely happy for each other and want to see everyone succeed, it makes all the difference. NaLyssa has been one of those people for me. She’s always encouraging, always communicating, always locked in. I can’t tell you how much that means.”
Smith, for her part, has embraced the role of both big sister and on-court ally. The former Baylor standout knows what it’s like to enter the league with high expectations, and she’s made it a priority to help Clark feel comfortable and confident. Their mutual respect is evident, and it’s quickly becoming one of the Fever’s foundational strengths.
“Caitlin’s special,” Smith said recently. “But more than anything, she’s humble. She wants to learn, she wants to grow, and she wants to win. That’s the kind of player you want to go to war with every night. We’re building something here, and she’s a huge part of that. But this isn’t just her show. It’s about all of us, and we’re locked in on doing it together.”
That team-first mentality has become a defining characteristic of the new-look Fever. With head coach Christie Sides leading the charge, Indiana has made significant strides in developing an identity rooted in toughness, tempo, and trust. The Clark-Smith duo embodies all three elements, and their performances have helped spark a new era of excitement for a franchise hungry for relevance and respect.
The results have started to show. While the Fever are still navigating the ups and downs that come with a youthful roster, the growth is undeniable. Clark’s vision and range have already made her one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league, while Smith’s blend of athleticism and effort has positioned her as a breakout star in her own right. Together, they form a one-two punch capable of transforming Indiana into a playoff threat—sooner than many expected.
“Every day we’re learning more about what it takes to win at this level,” Clark said. “It’s not easy. There are no off nights in this league. But when you’ve got someone like NaLyssa going all out, it motivates you to match that intensity. I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge, and I know she’s the same way. That’s the kind of partnership that pushes a team forward.”
Clark’s admiration for Smith isn’t just rooted in stats or highlights—it’s personal. She sees a kindred spirit in the hard-working forward, someone who understands the sacrifices, the grind, and the emotional highs and lows of chasing greatness. In many ways, their pairing is symbolic of the broader movement within women’s basketball: a blend of emerging talent, relentless drive, and a commitment to raising the bar for what’s possible.
And make no mistake—Clark knows the attention will continue to follow her every move. From sold-out arenas to national broadcasts to the ever-churning media cycle, the pressure isn’t going anywhere. But as she navigates the whirlwind of her rookie season, she’s choosing to focus on what matters most: the people in her corner.
“At the end of the day, this game is about relationships,” Clark said. “It’s about trusting the person next to you, knowing they’ve got your back, and giving everything you’ve got for the team. That’s what NaLyssa does. That’s what we’re all trying to do. And if we keep building on that foundation, I really believe the sky’s the limit.”
That kind of praise carries weight, especially coming from someone who’s already become a generational voice for the sport. But it also speaks volumes about Clark’s character and maturity. She may be the headliner, but she’s using her platform to celebrate others—and in doing so, she’s setting the tone for what Indiana Fever basketball is all about.
As the season unfolds, fans can expect plenty of dazzling passes, deep threes, and highlight-reel plays from Clark. But they should also keep an eye on the connection that’s powering much of that magic—the bond between a rookie sensation and a rising star who’s helping her thrive. In a league defined by dynamic duos, the Clark-Smith connection might just be the next great partnership.
And if you ask Caitlin Clark, she’ll tell you it’s already special.
“Basketball’s a team sport,” she said. “I can’t do this alone. I don’t want to do this alone. And with teammates like NaLyssa, I don’t have to.”
