WNBA standout Caitlin Clark has faced numerous injuries during the 2025 season with the Indiana Fever, yet she continues to make a meaningful impact beyond the court. On Monday, Clark visited her hometown in Iowa, using her platform to support local youth and community programs despite being sidelined with a groin injury.

Injury Challenges Keep Clark Off the Court but Engaged with Fans

Clark has been unable to play in 13 regular season games, a preseason match, and the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final due to four muscle injuries this season. Her current recovery focuses on a right groin injury, leaving her out indefinitely. She, together with fellow player Angel Reese, missed Indiana’s recent 93-78 victory over the Chicago Sky, which was witnessed by a record crowd of 19,601 at the United Center.

During that Chicago appearance, Clark connected deeply with supporters by signing over 200 autographs, moving many fans in attendance.

Returning Home to Iowa: A Strategic Stop Amid a Challenging Season

The Chicago trip provided Clark with a convenient opportunity to return to Iowa, where she was raised in West Des Moines and gained recognition as a basketball prodigy at the University of Iowa. For many Iowans, Chicago is closer than Indianapolis, allowing her to extend her journey home.

Clark’s college basketball career was historic, including:

• Becoming the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer
• Leading the Hawkeyes women’s team to consecutive national championship games for the first time in the school’s history
• Setting Iowa program records for career points, assists, and three-pointers

Supporting Local Youth with New Community Facilities and Supplies

While in Des Moines, Clark attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at McCombs Middle School for a newly built multi-use basketball and hardtop soccer court. This court is the first of four planned community courts to be opened by the Caitlin Clark Foundation within the Des Moines Public Schools district.

Clark also handed out Nike backpacks filled with school supplies to 500 students to help prepare them for the upcoming academic year, reflecting her commitment to giving back locally.

Building a Legacy of Inspiration and Opportunity in Iowa

Despite a season plagued by injuries, Caitlin Clark continues to inspire through her outreach and generosity. Her efforts to provide community courts and resources give young athletes opportunities to thrive and fosters hope that one of these students could become Iowa’s next basketball star.

Clark’s actions highlight that her influence extends well beyond her WNBA career, serving as a role model and catalyst for growth in her hometown.