🏀 Caitlin Clark, Makayla Timpson & Coach Stephanie White Reflect on Preseason Victory in Iowa: A Fever Homecoming for the Ages

 WNBA News | May 5, 2025

IOWA CITY, IA — It was more than just a preseason win. On May 4, 2025, the Indiana Fever defeated the Brazil National Team 108–44 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, but the real story came after the final buzzer — in a heartfelt, emotional, and at times hilarious postgame press conference with Caitlin Clark, Makayla Timpson, and head coach Stephanie White.

Their reflections captured the gravity of the moment: a return home, a team building chemistry, and a preseason performance that looked anything but casual.

🎤 Caitlin Clark: “13,000 People Here on a Thursday Night!”

Caitlin Clark, the pride of Iowa and now the face of the WNBA’s youth movement, soaked in every moment of her emotional return to the court where she made history.

“This is a preseason game on a Thursday night, and there’s 13,000 people here,” Clark said, grinning ear to ear. “That just shows what women’s basketball is doing right now. And it’s not just me. I think people were excited to see the Fever. People were excited to see Team Brazil.”

Clark finished the game with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including two signature logo threes that ignited the crowd.

“It was a lot of fun. I thought they were loud, I thought they were into it,” she said. “It was fun to see some people in Iowa stuff and then a lot of people in Fever gear. It was cool how it was a mesh of both.”
🔗 CNN Source – Clark on Iowa Return

💥 Makayla Timpson: “Energy Off the Bench, That’s My Role”

Makayla Timpson, a rising star drafted out of Florida State, played a vital supporting role in the Fever’s blowout win. While she didn’t lead the stat sheet, her hustle and presence were crucial — and her voice was clear in the postgame.

“We knew it wasn’t just about one player tonight. It’s about building habits early,” Timpson said. “I’m coming in to bring energy, play my role, and keep the team sharp. I don’t take these moments for granted.”

Timpson’s play was especially appreciated by head coach Stephanie White, who noted Timpson’s defensive intensity and on-court communication as key takeaways from the match.

🎓 Coach Stephanie White: “It Feels Like the Stars Have Aligned”

Head coach Stephanie White, back at the helm after coaching stints with Vanderbilt and the Connecticut Sun, emphasized the bigger picture: building a culture and winning team in Indiana.

“It feels like all the stars have aligned — coaching, personnel, leadership,” White said. “You can feel the shift, and it starts with players like Caitlin and Makayla who set the tone.”

When asked about the crowd in Iowa, White responded:

“I’ve never seen anything like this for a WNBA preseason game. That energy… that support? It’s something we’re going to carry into the season.”
🔗 White Interview via Fieldhouse Files

📊 Game Highlights Recap

Final Score: Fever 108 – Brazil 44
Caitlin Clark: 16 pts, 5 assists, 2 logo 3s
Sophie Cunningham: 21 pts
Lexie Hull & NaLyssa Smith: Defensive standouts
Arena: Carver-Hawkeye, 15,000+ fans in attendance
Special Moment: Caitlin Clark’s jersey was officially retired by the University of Iowa earlier in the day

🔗 Full Game Recap & Highlights

🎟️ Fan Takeover: Clark-Mania Hits Iowa Again

Tickets sold out in under an hour, with prices spiking on resale markets. Fans traveled from across the Midwest to see Clark return to the floor where she set NCAA records.

🔗 Fans Go Wild in Iowa City

🗓 What’s Next for the Fever?

May 10: Final preseason matchup vs. Atlanta Dream
May 17: Regular season opener vs. Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Head Coach Stephanie White confirmed that Clark’s minutes would gradually increase as the season begins, pending her full recovery from minor leg tightness.

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📹 Clark Responds to Brazil Coach’s Mic’d-Up Praise
📷 Highlights From Clark’s Jersey Retirement
🎥 How to Watch Fever Games Online