Caitlin Clark’s rookie season with the Indiana Fever was one of the most talked-about storylines in all of basketball — and not just in the WNBA. The record-breaking guard brought unprecedented attention to the league, sold-out arenas across the country, and transformed a struggling franchise into one of the most-watched teams in professional sports. But behind the highlight reels and historic fan engagement, Clark’s first year was also defined by physical challenges, intense scrutiny, and the steep learning curve that comes with transitioning to the pro game.

In her highly anticipated 2025 exit interview, Clark pulled back the curtain on all of it — discussing her injuries, her evolving view of the WNBA, and even addressing her thoughts on Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. It was one of her most candid and revealing conversations yet.

“I learned a lot this year — not just about basketball, but about myself,” Clark began. “There were moments when I had to push through things I’ve never experienced before. The physicality, the travel, the expectations — it’s all on another level here.”

One of the biggest storylines surrounding Clark’s rookie season was her battle with injuries. Known for her relentless style of play and deep shooting range, she faced the wear and tear of a grueling schedule unlike anything in college basketball. She missed key stretches due to nagging ankle and knee issues — setbacks that tested her resilience and changed how she approached the game.

“I won’t lie, dealing with injuries was tough,” she admitted. “It’s frustrating when your body doesn’t always cooperate with what your mind wants to do. But it forced me to become smarter — about recovery, about preparation, and about how I take care of myself. That’s something I’ll carry with me into next season.”

Clark’s candor extended beyond her health. She also reflected on her evolving relationship with the WNBA itself — a league she entered under immense pressure and astronomical expectations. “This league is no joke,” she said. “Every night, you’re going up against the best players in the world. It humbled me in the best way possible. It made me realize how much I still have to grow.”

Despite the challenges, Clark’s impact was undeniable. Indiana transformed from a struggling franchise into one of the league’s hottest tickets. Television ratings soared. Merchandise sales shattered records. And across arenas, a new generation of fans — many attending their first WNBA games — showed up in Caitlin Clark jerseys.

But the season wasn’t without controversy. The WNBA found itself at the center of intense public debates — from officiating consistency to player safety to leadership decisions. And while Clark chose her words carefully, she didn’t shy away from addressing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s role in shaping the league’s future.

“I think Cathy’s job is incredibly challenging — and I respect the work she’s done to grow the league,” Clark said. “But I also think there’s always room for improvement. Players want to feel protected. We want to feel heard. And we want to know the league is committed to making this the best environment possible for athletes.”

Clark’s comments come amid growing player frustration over several key issues, including scheduling demands, media access, and concerns about player treatment — conversations that intensified throughout the 2025 season. While she stopped short of criticizing Engelbert directly, Clark’s remarks echoed sentiments shared privately by many players across the league.

Still, the 22-year-old star struck an optimistic tone about what’s ahead — both for herself and for the Fever. “I truly believe the best is yet to come,” she said. “We laid a foundation this year. We learned, we grew, and we built something special. Now it’s about taking the next step.”

That next step will include a renewed focus on health, leadership, and expanding her already massive influence on and off the court. Clark hinted at plans to work closely with Indiana’s training staff in the offseason to build strength and durability — lessons learned from a year spent pushing her limits.

As for her goals? They’re as ambitious as ever. “I want to win championships,” she said. “That’s the standard I hold myself to. Everything I do this offseason — every workout, every film session — is going to be about putting myself and this team in the best position to compete for a title.”

If her rookie season was about adjusting to the WNBA’s reality, Clark’s sophomore campaign will be about mastering it. And with a year of hard-earned lessons behind her, the basketball world will be watching closely to see what comes next.

“People talk about the pressure, the spotlight — and yeah, it’s a lot,” Clark concluded. “But I see it as an opportunity. I’m here to push the game forward. I’m here to win. And I’m just getting started.”