Caitlin Clark gave a strong statement after she drew out 20,711 fans to cheer for her at the Capital One Arena. With the stocks rising, the 24-year-old has now become a brand both on and off the court.
Recently, she joined hands with Nike for her signature shoe line drop. And as another season of basketball comes closer, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ star will look to continue strengthening the game that helped her reach new heights.
However, before she could become the face of the WNBA, Clark went through a developmental phase. And while the ones that shaped her into a future star might not be in the limelight today. But the Indiana Fever star makes sure to extend her support and
Caitlin Clark Elated About Her Former Coach’s Success
Clark has never ignored her Iowa connections for once. Only recently, she sent a heartfelt message following Gabbie Marshall’s engagement. And now, it was time for her former coach, Jan Jansen. This Thursday, Jansen was included in the 2026 Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year watch list.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Naismith Awards wrote, “Jensen in the history books! @goiowa has officially stamped her name in @IowaWBB history as the first head coach to secure over 20 wins in her first two seasons. This comes after the Hawkeyes dominant win over Nebraska. The future is bright for Jensen, a member of our 2026 Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year Watch List!”
Sharing the post on social media, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year commented, “Aura.”
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— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) February 19, 2026
During her time with the Hawkeyes from 2020 to 2024, Jensen served as the assistant coach to Lisa Bluder. After serving the team for 24 seasons, Bluder stepped down, and Jensen took over the reins. Immediately, Jensen found success with the team in the 2025-26 season.
Meanwhile, as Clark is breaking boundaries, her rapid surge has gotten her the attention of NBA legend LeBron James.
LeBron Is ‘Rooting’ For Caitlin Clark In 2026
Clark took the WNBA by storm in her debut season. Unfortunately, owing to a lingering groin injury, she failed to play any significant part in the last season. But now that she is back at 100%, the Fever star is ready to go.
Reflecting on Clark’s popularity, the Los Angeles Lakers’ legend said, “More people want to watch, don’t get it twisted. Caitlin Clark is the reason why great things are going to happen to the WNBA. I am rooting for Caitlin. I have been in that seat.”
I love it when legends like Lebron don’t hesitate to give Caitlin her flowers… And he’s always been one of her biggest supporters 💐 https://t.co/klwGe2ZOFx pic.twitter.com/3wRqMPjvY0
— allison (@_girltalk) February 21, 2026
Thus, it is evident that almost the entire basketball world is waiting to see Clark step into the arena. And while it might look like an enormous challenge, someone like the 24-year-old star would love to thrive under pressure.