Caitlin Clark squinted into the summer sunlight as she eased her car onto the shoulder of a lonely country road. A guttural thump and the hiss of escaping air had left her with a shredded tire and no cell service. She was stranded, her mind racing with the day’s obligations and the growing sense of helplessness.
She stepped out, brushing dust from her shorts, and inspected the ruined tire. The world was still except for the soft rustle of wind in the grass. Caitlin sighed, recalling her college days when she’d once been helped by a stranger. Now, she was the one in need, with no one in sight.
Then, on the shimmering horizon, a figure appeared—a boy, maybe 14, striding confidently down the road. His shirt was faded, his sneakers worn, but his grin was bright as he called out, “Hey, ma’am! Flat tire, huh?”
Caitlin managed a smile. “Yeah, seems like it. You know anything about changing tires?”
“Sure do. My dad taught me,” he replied, already heading to her trunk for the spare.
He worked quickly, refusing her offer of cash. “Nah, it’s just a tire. You don’t owe me anything,” he said, wiping sweat from his brow.
“You’re Caitlin Clark, aren’t you?” he added quietly, recognition dawning.
Caitlin blinked, surprised. “That’s me. But you still deserve something for your trouble.”
The boy shook his head. “Nope. Just helping out.”
He packed up his tools and walked off, leaving Caitlin standing by her car, humbled and amazed by his simple act of kindness.
That night, Caitlin couldn’t shake the encounter. The boy’s generosity had touched her in a way few things had. She decided she had to find him again, to thank him properly.
The next morning, Caitlin retraced her route, parking by the same stretch of road. She waited, hope flickering in her chest. Finally, she spotted him, tool kit in hand.
“Hey!” she called. “No flat tire today—I came looking for you.”
He smiled, surprised. “For me? Why?”
“Because you helped me when I needed it. That meant a lot. What’s your name?”
“Jaylen. Jaylen Hayes.”
Caitlin followed him home, a modest house in need of repairs, but filled with warmth. Jaylen’s mother, Dana, greeted her with wary curiosity that soon softened as Caitlin explained her visit.
Over coffee at the kitchen table, Caitlin learned more about Jaylen—his love for basketball, his knack for fixing things, his quiet sense of responsibility. She offered to help the family, but Dana resisted at first. “We’re used to making do,” she said. Still, Caitlin persisted, and eventually Dana relented. “Well, the roof and plumbing could use a little help.”
Caitlin sprang into action, calling contractors and rallying community volunteers. Within days, a crew arrived, and Caitlin was there every morning, hauling supplies, climbing ladders, and rolling up her sleeves alongside Jaylen and the workers.
Jaylen was everywhere, eager to learn and help. “He’s got the heart of a champion,” the foreman told Caitlin, as Jaylen handed up sheets of plywood.
As the renovations progressed, Caitlin brought a surprise—a brand new basketball hoop for the driveway. Jaylen’s eyes lit up. “Really? For me?”
“Of course,” Caitlin said, grinning. “But you have to promise to practice every day and invite me for a one-on-one sometime.”
Jaylen laughed, the sound ringing through the yard as they played together. Dana watched from the porch, her eyes misty. “You’ve brought hope back into this house, Caitlin,” she said quietly.
By the end of the week, the roof was fixed, the plumbing repaired, and the home transformed. Caitlin and Jaylen’s bond grew. She shared stories of her own basketball journey, the setbacks and triumphs, and encouraged him to chase his dreams.
One evening, Caitlin handed Dana a folder. Inside were documents for a college scholarship fund she’d set up in Jaylen’s name. Dana’s hands trembled. “Caitlin, this is too much.”
“It’s not,” Caitlin replied gently. “Jaylen has so much potential. I want to help him reach it.”
Jaylen hugged her tight, his voice breaking. “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”
As the weeks passed, Caitlin became a fixture in their lives. She arranged for Jaylen to attend a summer basketball camp, introduced him to a local coach, and cheered him on at every practice. Jaylen thrived, his confidence growing with every shot and every word of encouragement.
He began to give back, volunteering at local youth centers, sharing his story with kids who reminded him of himself. “Hard work and kindness go hand in hand,” he told them. “Never forget to help others along the way.”
Jaylen’s dedication paid off. He made the high school team, then earned a spot at a regional showcase where college scouts took notice. Offers followed, and, with Caitlin and Dana’s support, he chose the program that felt right for him.
On signing day, the community gathered to celebrate. Jaylen looked at Caitlin, gratitude shining in his eyes. “Thank you for believing in me.”
“You’ve always had it in you,” Caitlin replied. “I just helped you see it.”
Years later, Jaylen stood on a stage as a college graduate and rising star, telling his story to a room full of aspiring athletes. “My journey started with a flat tire and a simple act of kindness,” he said. “It taught me that small good deeds can change lives. Because of Caitlin Clark, I learned to believe—not just in myself, but in the power of helping others.”
In the audience, Caitlin smiled, her heart full. The ripple of a good deed had become a wave, carrying dreams forward, one act of kindness at a time.
Caitlin Clark participating in “Kids’ Day” activities at Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Iowa’s News Now) — Hy-Vee, Inc. and INDYCAR announced that Saturday, July 23, has been designated “Kids’ Day” during the Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend at Iowa Speedway.
More than 1,000 youth from central Iowa-area youth programs and school districts will attend the Hy-VeeDeals.com 250race and also watch live concerts featuring country music superstars Tim McGraw and Florida Georgia Line.
Additionally, University of Iowa Women’s Basketball star player Caitlin Clark will also make a special appearance as part of the Saturday activities.
All kids attending Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend on Saturday will get the chance to meet Caitlin Clark at the Hy-Vee KidsFit tent beginning at 11 a.m.
Fans will get a chance to visit with Clark and even compete in a 30-second shot clock challenge with the standout. Caitlin Clark is the only Division 1 women’s basketball player to lead the country in both points per game and assists per game in a single season.
Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend is designed for fans of all ages and will include a Kid Zone, which includes the Hy-Vee KidsFit activities area, special appearances by celebrities, the Red Bull gaming truck, Iowa State University’s Forward Learning Experience (FLEx) and other fun activations. There will also be a weekend-long Food Truck Challenge with 50 food truck vendors competing to be the fan favorite at the track. Race fans will get a chance to vote for their favorite street cuisine, with the top three food truck vendors winning cash prizes.
