One of the big questions heading into the Indiana Fever’s 2026 season is whether Caitlin Clark can replicate the firepower she showed in her rookie year. After a historic 2024 campaign, Clark was limited to just 13 games in 2025, largely due to multiple injuries.
The 2024 Rookie of the Year has been very honest about her recovery. Her rehab has gone well, and she has gotten some reps with USA Basketball during the World Cup qualifiers. Clark said she is 100 percent healthy and has overcome both the physical injury and the mental hurdle that came with it.
Speaking to reporters on the opening day of the Indiana Fever’s training camp, Clark provided a key update:
“I feel great. I’m super excited to be back here and I think I have a great perspective on camp and not taking anything for granted. Obviously at this time last year, I was kind of going through something. So more than anything, I feel really healthy and feel like I’ve put myself in a position to be as healthy as I can be to start the season and kind of just stay on top of that.”
The 24-year-old also said the injury process was a “humbling” experience, one that gave her a “good perspective on how to be a great teammate and a great leader.”
“I’m the (kind of) person that doesn’t want to sit out a single rep. Like I want to be in there every single time,” she added. “Like I just love competing and I love playing and none of that has changed, but I think being a little bit smarter with my body and understanding what it takes… is probably the most important thing.”
Despite Caitlin Clark’s words, her play on the court will ultimately show how effective she can be when the ball tips off on May 9 against the Dallas Wings to open the regular season.
Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White sets Caitlin Clark expectations for new season
For an Indiana Fever team that reached the semifinals without Caitlin Clark and a few key players, her return to full health is a welcome boost. Her presence in training camp brings a level of leadership and intensity that is hard to replicate.
Fever coach Stephanie White emphasized that she wants to see Clark playing with “joy.”
“It was such a hard year a year ago when you’re going through injuries, it’s tough. When you’re in and out. It’s tough, when you’re not able to do what you love. And so I want to see her play with joy. I want to see her enjoy the opportunity that we have.. Go out and do what she does best.”
The Fever held their first training camp practice on Sunday after announcing their 16-player roster on Friday. Clark has a lot to play for this year as she looks to make the 2028 Olympic team after earning MVP honors in the qualifiers in what was her first senior appearance for USA Basketball. There’s a strong chance she takes her game to the next level and breaks more records, especially with this being her first full season under Stephanie White as head coach.
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