WNBA standout Caitlin Clark recently opened up about the mental challenges she has faced while recovering from a series of injuries. Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever, missed her first game of the season against the Portland Fire but returned to lead her team to victory against the Golden State Valkyries with a team-high 22 points.

Clark’s journey has been marked by resilience as she navigates the mental and physical demands of professional basketball. “I think, at the end of the day, it’s me and my confidence,” Clark shared with reporters. Her 2025 season was marred by a groin strain and ankle bone bruise, limiting her to just 13 appearances after a stellar Rookie of the Year season in 2024.

Despite these setbacks, Clark remains focused on her recovery and performance. “These are the best players in the world, and if I don’t feel 100% confident in my body on Game 5 of the year, I don’t know if that’s really worth it in that scenario,” she explained, highlighting the mental hurdles she continues to face.

In Friday’s game against Golden State, Clark played 32 minutes, contributing nine assists and nearly achieving a double-double. She noted the difference in physical demands between regular season games and offseason competitions, such as her time with USA Basketball. “That’s the difference for me right now, but I feel great,” Clark said, emphasizing the importance of understanding her body’s needs post-game.

Clark is also working on a children’s picture book titled “EXTRAordinary! A Little EXTRA to Reach BIG Dreams,” set to release in November. The book draws from her unique life experiences and aims to inspire young readers.

As the Fever prepare for their next matchup against the Valkyries in San Francisco, Clark remains committed to her recovery and performance. “I am doing everything I can to put myself in the best position I can recovery-wise,” she stated, underscoring her dedication to both her mental and physical health.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.