Caitlin Clark had been one of the busiest stars in the offseason with many public appearances, interviews, and even a golf event in her schedule. While she played in just 53 games in the WNBA, Forbes listed her as the most powerful female athlete, which showcases her influence and impact on women’s sports.
But for the Fever star, the inspiration was the USA Women’s national soccer team. Yes, the player credited the soccer player who inspired her to be an athlete.
Caitlin Clark Credits USA Women’s Soccer’s Unifying Power
The 2024 rookie had been all over the place since she joined the league. She attended various sports, events, social gatherings, charity events, and even family and close friends’ events despite her busy schedule. While her gameplay and aura are inspiring a new generation of young girls to get into sports like basketball, the Indiana Fever star spoke about the women athletes who inspired her to become a player.
In a recent interview with Glamour magazine, the 24-year-old lauded Mia Hamm’s impact on her and said, “What USA soccer did for not only female athletes, but women in general…How much they brought people together. That’s just been her ability to really inspire people. To give back.”
The former soccer player won four NCAA titles, two World Cups, and two Olympic gold medals. Mia Hamm was in the top three athletes for FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, as her scoring ability and ball control were among the best among Women’s soccer players.
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There is no doubt that Hamm’s inspiring gameplay attracted CC to become a sports star, which in turn helped the explosive growth of the WNBA. But in the basketball world, she adored Maya Moore.
Caitlin Clark Praises Maya Moore As Her Ultimate Hero
Just like Mia Hamm, the playmaker is revolutionizing women’s basketball with her competitive yet entertaining game on the floor. But the player herself got inspiration from Maya Moore. In the interview, the 2024 Rookie of the Year gave her flowers to the four-time champion.
“Maya Moore was definitely my favorite basketball player growing up, male or female. Getting to meet her and watch her play in a game for the first time, it was probably one of the greatest memories of my childhood, truly,” Clark said.
Maya Moore inspired young Caitlin Clark growing up 💜
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) November 7, 2025
(via @glamourmag @EliLillyandCo) pic.twitter.com/YeNQMMWO0C
The Fever guard is also making her own mark on women’s basketball and is already challenging some of the top male basketball players in popularity charts. A recent report showed that Caitlin Clark ranked among LeBron James and Stephen Curry in the basketball popularity list. While this is quite an achievement, the player will be looking to stay grounded and humble as she always had been.