Caitlin Clark is known for her ice-cold shooting, relentless scoring, and steely nerves in front of thousands on the biggest stages in women’s basketball. But beneath the intensity and fame, the 2024 No. 1 WNBA Draft pick admits to something a little more relatable—and surprisingly tender: she gets chills when someone unexpectedly sneaks up behind her.
It’s a side of Caitlin Clark fans rarely see. On the court, she’s fearless and laser-focused. Off the court, however, she’s just like anyone else—navigating surprises, processing sudden emotions, and sometimes getting a bit startled.
Let’s explore how this simple, very human reaction reveals the depth of Caitlin Clark’s personality, and how her recent transition into the WNBA has made her more vulnerable than ever.
The Human Behind the Hero
Clark’s journey from Iowa’s golden girl to WNBA superstar has been widely chronicled. She left college as the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer—men or women—and redefined the way we think about women’s basketball. With range reminiscent of Steph Curry and a court vision beyond her years, she was the face of college basketball.
But no one tells you how quickly life changes when you go pro. And no one tells you how often those changes come at you from behind—figuratively and literally.
During a recent sit-down interview after a team practice with the Indiana Fever, Clark let down her guard. The topic wasn’t her crossover, her historic scoring numbers, or even her relationship with WNBA legends. It was about something much simpler: being startled.
“You know, I get chills when someone comes up behind me,” she said with a smile. “Like, if I’m not expecting it—especially during a quiet moment—it literally shocks my whole body.”
She laughed, but her eyes said something else—this was about more than just a jump scare. It was about the jolt that comes with change, fame, and the emotional weight of being Caitlin Clark in 2025.
A Jarring Transition to Stardom
Clark has spoken candidly about the whirlwind experience of going pro. One day, you’re in a college dorm in Iowa City. The next, you’re sitting courtside at a WNBA media day, swarmed by reporters, endorsement offers, and hundreds of thousands of fans on social media. All eyes are on you. All expectations are sky high.
“You try to act like everything’s normal,” she said, “but it’s not. You’re adjusting to new cities, new teammates, new systems, and a new life. It’s exciting, but it’s also… a lot. And sometimes, it catches you off guard.”
That phrase—catches you off guard—is at the heart of what Clark is describing. In a world where she’s become a global icon almost overnight, even simple moments of surprise can stir deep emotions.
“I’ve always been someone who likes to have control,” Clark admitted. “I like knowing what’s next, where I’m going, what’s around me. But now, everything’s so new that you kind of live in this constant state of alert. And when someone surprises me—even as a joke—I jump. I literally get chills.”
The Symbolism of the Chill
For someone as composed as Caitlin Clark, a chill might seem like a trivial thing. But in the context of her life, it’s symbolic.
Those chills represent the startle of the spotlight. They symbolize how fame—especially when it comes quickly—can feel like someone creeping up behind you, unannounced. One moment, you’re in your bubble. The next, the world’s watching.
And while Clark has embraced her stardom with poise, it’s clear she’s still learning how to balance it all.
“There’s this weird moment when you realize you can’t just walk around anonymously anymore,” she said. “You can’t go to the grocery store without people stopping you. You can’t just blend in. So your senses stay heightened all the time. It’s amazing—but kind of scary too.”
Locker Room Moments
Even inside the Indiana Fever locker room, Clark’s teammates are aware of her startle reflex. Some have even made a running joke of it.
“Aliyah [Boston] tried sneaking up on me during shootaround the other day,” Clark recalled with a chuckle. “I didn’t hear her at all—and when she touched my shoulder, I jumped like 10 feet in the air.”
The team burst out laughing, but for Clark, that reaction runs deeper.
“I think it’s because I’m so in my head sometimes. I’m constantly analyzing, thinking about what I need to improve, planning my next move. So when someone interrupts that with a surprise—boom—it’s like my brain short circuits.”
That mental overdrive is common among elite athletes. The constant pressure to perform, to anticipate, to excel—it can create a tension that never quite fades. So when a teammate taps you on the shoulder unexpectedly, it’s not just a playful scare. It’s an emotional tremor.
The Emotional Toll of Always Being “On”
Being Caitlin Clark in 2025 means being perpetually visible. Whether it’s postgame pressers, Instagram comments, or televised games with millions of viewers, she’s always on. And that kind of attention can wear on even the strongest minds.
“There are moments where I just want to disappear for a bit,” Clark said. “Just be Caitlin—not ‘Caitlin Clark.’ But it’s hard. And honestly, the smallest things—like getting startled—remind me that I haven’t had a real break in a long time.”
That’s the paradox of greatness: the more people adore you, the harder it is to find stillness. Clark’s chills are a physical response to that psychological strain.
“I’m working on grounding myself,” she said. “Breathing exercises, journaling, spending quiet time with family. It helps me reset.”
Finding Safety in the Chaos
Despite the chaos surrounding her, Clark has found ways to create safe spaces—on and off the court. Her inner circle remains tight, and she’s especially protective of her downtime.
“There are certain people who can come up behind me and I won’t flinch,” she said softly. “My mom, my best friend from home, my little brother. It’s different with them. It’s like my body knows it’s okay.”
That level of trust is hard to earn, especially for someone so often in the public eye. But it shows that beneath the athlete is a young woman who values connection, comfort, and emotional safety.
Vulnerability as Strength
In an era where athletes are increasingly open about mental health, Clark’s honesty is refreshing. Her willingness to admit vulnerability—even over something as seemingly small as being startled—demonstrates a deeper emotional intelligence.
“I think people assume I’m fearless,” she said. “And yeah, I’m not afraid to take the last shot or go toe-to-toe with the best. But I still have moments of fear. Of doubt. Of getting chills when life surprises me.”
Her message resonates far beyond basketball. It’s a reminder that even heroes can be startled. Even champions need comfort. Even Caitlin Clark gets chills.
