Caitlyn Clark, the rising star of college basketball, was known not only for her incredible skills on the court but also for her remarkable character off it. One afternoon, while visiting her hometown of Iowa, Caitlyn decided to step out for a meal with her boyfriend, Connor McCaffrey. They chose a local hot spot, eager to enjoy some time together and reconnect with the community that had shaped her.
As they entered the bustling restaurant, Caitlyn was immediately recognized. The staff offered them a table right away, but ever humble, Caitlyn declined and opted to wait in line with the other patrons. After a short wait, they were seated, and as they placed their order, Caitlyn’s infectious laughter filled the air, drawing the attention of fans who approached her for autographs and photos. She graciously obliged, embodying the warmth and approachability that endeared her to so many.
Just as their food arrived, Caitlyn noticed an elderly couple standing outside, clearly uncomfortable in the blazing sun. Her heart sank as she observed several men who had finished eating but remained seated, engrossed in their conversations, oblivious to the discomfort of those waiting. Disturbed by the lack of courtesy, Caitlyn felt compelled to act.
Without hesitation, she stood up and approached one of the tables occupied by the men. “Excuse me,” she said, her voice steady. “There are people waiting. Would you mind letting them have your table?” The men shrugged her off, dismissing her request without a second thought. Rather than escalate the situation, Caitlyn chose a different path. She walked over to the elderly couple, invited them inside, and offered them her seat.
The couple was deeply appreciative, and Caitlyn smiled, happy to help. However, as she was walking the woman to her seat, a man at another table muttered, “If you keep giving away your seat, you’ll never eat.” The comment hit Caitlyn hard, and her usual calm demeanor quickly shifted. Anger flared within her as she turned to the men, sternly telling them they were the most ungentlemanly group she had ever encountered.
When they dismissed her words, Caitlyn decided to take a stand. She approached the restaurant manager, who was initially unaware of Caitlyn’s identity. After recounting the situation, the manager took action. He approached the men and demanded they leave, warning that security would be called if they didn’t comply. The men continued to ignore the request, but the situation escalated quickly as the manager called in security.
It became clear that the men had underestimated Caitlyn’s resolve. After some tense moments, they finally left, leaving several tables open for new patrons. Caitlyn’s actions that day were a display of leadership and chivalry, much like her approach to basketball. It wasn’t just about taking charge on the court; she was taking a stand for what was right, even when it wasn’t easy.
Caitlyn Clark’s heartwarming gesture not only showcased her character but also inspired those around her to reflect on the importance of kindness and respect. In a world where such values can sometimes be overlooked, Caitlyn reminded everyone that standing up for others is a powerful act of courage. As she returned to her meal, the atmosphere in the restaurant shifted, filled with a renewed sense of community and appreciation for one another.
Caitlin Clark heads to first WNBA postseason and Aces look for threepeat as playoffs begin Sunday
Clark, who had a record-breaking rookie season, will try to lead Indiana to its first playoff win since 2015.
Credit: AP Photo/Michael Conroy
Caitlin Clark will make her first appearance in the WNBA playoffs in the arena where she started her professional career.
The Indiana Fever will play in Connecticut on Sunday as the league’s postseason gets underway with four best-of-three series. The two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces will host Seattle, top-seed New York will play Atlanta and Minnesota faces Phoenix.
Clark, who had a record-breaking rookie season, will try to lead Indiana to its first playoff win since 2015 when current Sun coach Stephanie White was in charge of the Fever.
This is the third straight postseason the league will use a best-of-three format with the better seeded team hosting the first two games. A decisive third game would be played at the home of the lower-seeded team.
Las Vegas aims to become the first team to win three consecutive titles since Houston won the first four WNBA championships.
Here’s a look at the four series that begin Sunday.
All eyes will be on Clark as she makes her postseason debut. The Fever struggled early in the season with a difficult schedule, but have really come on strong after the Olympic break. They had the first .500 or better season since 2016 — the last time the team made the playoffs finishing at 20-20. Clark, who set the league record for assists and the rookie mark for points, has help from Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. Connecticut has been to eight straight postseasons — the longest active streak. Led by Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, the Sun look to end Clark’s first year.
Season Series: The Sun won three of the four meetings, but the Fever took the last one. The three Connecticut wins all came within the first month of the season.
BetMGM odds to win championship: Connecticut +1,000, Indiana +2,500.
Major Storylines: Clark has always thrived on the biggest stage and is ready for her playoff debut. For the Fever to succeed, they’ll need other players to step up and help her. Clark averaged 16.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in the four meetings. The Sun are looking to get back to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2022.
The Liberty had the best record in the league and fell just two wins short of the franchise’s first championship last year, losing to Las Vegas in four games. The Dream are in the playoffs for the second consecutive season, led by Tina Charles.
Season Series: New York won three of the four games with the lone loss coming in the season finale, when the Liberty had nothing to play for and the Dream were fighting to get into the playoffs.
BetMGM odds to win championship: New York +125, Atlanta +50,000.
A’ja Wilson has been the best player in the league this year, raising her already impressive play to another level. She became the first player in league history to score over 1,000 points in a season and has been dominant on both ends of the court. The Aces started off slowly this season, while Chelsea Gray was out recovering from a foot injury suffered in the WNBA Finals last year. The team has come on strong lately. They’ve won nine of their last 10 games heading into the playoffs, including a win over Seattle on Tuesday. The Storm added Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith in the offseason to add to their competitive edge.
Season Series: The Aces took three of the four games from the Storm this season.
BetMGM odds to win championship: Las Vegas +225, Seattle +2500.
Major Storylines: The Aces are peaking at the right time to make a run at another championship, with Wilson, Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young leading the way. Las Vegas added Tiffany Hayes midway through the season and she’s been a solid spark off the bench. Las Vegas knows how to win in the playoffs and will be a tough out. Seattle’s concern is the health of Jewell Loyd, who missed the last three games with a knee injury. Without Loyd, the Storm will be hard-pressed to knock off the champions.
The Minnesota Lynx have been the surprise team of the season led by star forward Napheesa Collier. Minnesota took the Commissioner’s Cup title by defeating New York, indicating how good Cheryl Reeve’s team could be. Minnesota is one of the hottest team heading into the playoffs. The Lynx had won 13 of 14 games before losing a meaningless contest to close out the regular season. The Mercury have been on the other end of the spectrum, heading into the playoffs with seven losses in their last 10 games.
Season Series: The Lynx won three of the four meetings this season, with all victories coming by double digits.
BetMGM odds to win championship: Minnesota +270, Phoenix +10,000.
Major Storylines: Diana Taurasi hasn’t said whether she’s going to retire at the end of this season or not, but Phoenix honored the league’s all-time leading scorer on Thursday as if it was the end of her career. The Mercury have the talent to make a run in the playoffs with Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper leading the way. They may just be hard-pressed to beat the talented Lynx, who have been playing extremely well. Since winning their last title in 2017, Minnesota has won only one playoff series, beating Phoenix in 2020.
