There are a lot of things that happen for the first time, and Caitlin Clark also experienced a few firsts in recent years. The player was on the floor for competitive games for five years, including her college career and WNBA rookie season. But in 2025, she had an injury for the first time, keeping her away from the action for a longer time.
But during her exit interview, Clark mentioned her aim to be part of the Team USA program and focused on her recovery rather than playing in any league. Now that Team USA will play in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, the player is a bit nervous for the first time.
Caitlin Clark Talks About Nervousness Ahead Of Her Senior-Level Debut
The Indiana Fever team had to get through the 2025 season without its star player. Although they made it to the semifinals in the season, the player felt ‘uneasy’ watching the games from the sidelines. Clark even opened up on injury challenges after playing in just 13 games in the season. And now the time has come for her to get back on the court.
Speaking to reporters at USA Basketball camp in Miami, Clark admitted that returning after such a long absence may come with an unfamiliar feeling, as she said, “I think it’ll probably take me a second to knock a little bit of the rust off. I’ll probably be a little bit nervous, which I usually don’t get nervous, but that probably comes from I haven’t really played basketball in a while.”
"I'll probably be a little bit nervous, which I usually don't get nervous. But that probably just will come from – I haven't really played basketball in a while"
— Andrew Chernoff – WISH-TV (@ADChernoff) March 7, 2026
Caitlin Clark is looking forward to playing in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament next week. @WISHNews8 pic.twitter.com/RpODJztY9p
The nearly eight-month gap is massive, and the player also has to match the game’s and the team’s pace to make useful contributions. During December training camp, CC mentioned that she is looking to get back her full fitness, and now, after three months, she is ready to take the floor, with a bit of nervousness.
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The player had already played at the international level, representing the USA team, and won two U-19 World Cups with an MVP Award in the 2021 U-19 World Cup. She also won the FIBA Americas U-16 Championship. Once he gets going on the court, she would be unstoppable again, and for that, her team might play a crucial role.
Fresh Start For Caitlin Clark Could Influence Her Game
The 2026 Team USA for the Women’s World Cup is a mix of talented rookies and veterans to compete at the highest level. Although the former Iowa star mentioned ‘rust’ and ‘nervousness’, the team is capable of challenging for the title, and that could be a blessing for the 2024 rookie.
Vibes are v v good 😎
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) March 7, 2026
🇺🇸 #USABWNT pic.twitter.com/AcCNYo6QZh
She would play without much load on her back and get back to match fitness during the competition itself. Incidentally, CC has found a new friend in Kelsey Plum, who is famous for getting the best out of her teammates. Maybe the combination would help the Fevel playmaker to recover from the rust quickly.