Caitlin Clark, sidelined with a groin injury, received an enthusiastic welcome from young fans in her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa. During a recent foundation event at McCombs Middle School, students openly praised Clark for her basketball skills, with several boldly claiming she surpasses the greatness of legends like Stephen Curry and LeBron James. This passionate support highlights Clark’s influence on the younger generation and her standing as a basketball icon in her community.
The event hosted roughly 500 students from Des Moines Public Schools and nearby parochial schools affiliated with the Diocese of Des Moines. Clark was attended by the local crowd as part of her foundation’s community outreach.
How Middle School Students Expressed Their Admiration for Clark
During her visit to McCombs Middle School, Clark engaged in activities that included distributing school supplies and participating in a court unveiling ceremony. The enthusiasm from three middle school students stood out as they called Clark “The GOAT” and debated her abilities relative to famous NBA players. One student confidently stated,
She might be better than Steph Curry.
Another emphatically agreed, saying,
Bro, she’s better than Steph Curry.
When discussing LeBron James, these devoted fans had no reservations about Clark’s superiority, asserting,
Better than LeBron? Yes, she’s better than LeBron,
a remarkable testament to her impact on local basketball enthusiasts.
The event featured the unveiling of a new mini-pitch court for basketball and soccer, developed through a partnership between Clark’s foundation and Musco Lighting. This court is one of four being added to middle schools in Des Moines, intended to encourage sports participation among youth. During the ceremony, Clark was seen joining students in kicking a soccer ball, demonstrating her connection to the community beyond basketball.
Clark’s Injury Status and Recovery Timeline
Clark’s currently sidelined due to a right groin injury sustained on July 15, marking the latest setback in a season hampered by physical challenges. She has missed 14 of the Indiana Fever’s 27 games during the 2024-25 campaign, and her shooting performance has been below expectations. Although eager to return, Clark is prioritizing rehabilitation to ensure long-term health.
The Indiana Fever have not issued an official timeline for her comeback, but media outlets such as ESPN project a possible return around August 12. This remains speculative and is subject to change depending on Clark’s progress. Her extended absence has led to growing anticipation and impatience among Fever supporters who are eager to see her back on the court.
Community Impact Beyond the Court
While Clark’s playing time is currently limited due to injury, her influence in Des Moines and beyond continues to grow through community engagement. The foundation event highlighted how her presence inspires young basketball fans and reinforces her status as a role model.
Giving back by supporting education and sports facilities allows Clark to maintain a strong connection to her roots, showing that her contributions extend well past gameplay. This enduring relationship with her hometown illustrates why she is celebrated not only as a talented guard for the Fever but also as a significant figure shaping the next generation of athletes and fans.