Karoline Leavitt and Caitlin Clark Stand Tall
The Grand Ballroom of the Washington Liberty Hotel buzzed with anticipation as guests arrived for the annual American Honor Gala. This prestigious event celebrated veterans, first responders, and those who dedicated their lives to serving the nation. The guest list read like a who’s who of American society, featuring politicians, military officials, celebrities, and journalists, all eagerly awaiting the evening’s main event.
At the heart of the night’s attention were two women from vastly different worlds: Karoline Leavitt and Caitlin Clark. Karoline, a rising star in politics, was known for her unapologetic patriotism and staunch national values. Despite her youth, she had become a formidable figure in Washington, admired by many and criticized by those who deemed her too bold for her own good. Caitlin, on the other hand, was a basketball icon, one of the most celebrated athletes of her generation. More than just a player, she used her platform to stand for something greater than the game.
The two women had never expected their paths to cross in such a public setting, yet tonight they were both being honored for their contributions to American culture and leadership. Karoline was recognized for her advocacy for veterans and national identity, while Caitlin was honored for her support of military families and her efforts to honor fallen heroes.
As the event began, the lights dimmed, and the national anthem filled the room. The audience rose to their feet in unison, some placing their hands over their hearts, others standing in silent reverence. Karoline, seated in the front row, clutched a folded American flag in her lap—the one given to her family when her grandfather, a World War II veteran, passed away. To her, this flag was not just a piece of cloth; it was a symbol of sacrifice and the legacy her family had fought to preserve. On stage, Caitlin stood with other honorees, wearing a warm-up jacket embroidered with the words “Honor the Fallen.” It was a simple tribute she had worn before at charity games, but tonight, the weight of it felt different.
Then, the moment of tension arrived. A well-known media personality seated at the VIP table stood abruptly and spoke loud enough for the entire room to hear. “Karoline, Caitlin, some say these symbols represent a past that divides us rather than unites us. In today’s world, isn’t it time we move forward instead of clinging to outdated ideas of patriotism?”
The words sliced through the air like a blade. Some in the audience nodded, while others exchanged uneasy glances. A few journalists smirked, sensing a headline in the making. Karoline and Caitlin locked eyes, understanding instantly that this wasn’t a question; it was a trap. The room held its breath, waiting for their response.
Karoline slowly stood, still holding the flag. Her voice was calm, but her eyes burned with quiet fire. “This flag was given to my grandfather’s family as a final honor for his service. It is not outdated; it is not a political statement. It is a reminder of sacrifice, duty, and the price paid so we could stand here tonight, freely speaking our minds.”
A murmur spread through the audience. Some nodded in agreement, while others remained silent. The journalist, undeterred, pressed on. “That’s one perspective,” he said, “but don’t you think patriotism today should be about inclusivity rather than clinging to old symbols? Some might say holding on to that flag does more harm than good.”
Karoline didn’t flinch. She tightened her grip on the flag and took a step forward. “Patriotism isn’t exclusionary; it’s not a relic. It is the very foundation that allows us to have this conversation. If honoring those who gave their lives for this country is seen as harmful, then maybe the problem isn’t the symbol; it’s the way we’ve been taught to see it.”
The tension thickened in the room. The journalist turned to Caitlin, expecting her to distance herself from the controversy. “You’re an athlete, Caitlin. Your career depends on sponsorships, endorsements, public support. Do you really want to be caught up in something so polarizing?”
Caitlin could have played it safe. She could have said something neutral, something that wouldn’t ruffle feathers. Instead, she stepped closer to Karoline. “I play basketball because I love the game,” she said. “But I also love this country and the people who gave me the opportunity to play it. That’s what this jacket represents. If that’s controversial, then maybe we need to ask why.”
A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd. The journalist folded his arms, pressing further. “So you don’t care how others interpret these symbols? That their pain doesn’t matter?”
Caitlin took a slow breath. “What I’m saying is that honoring those who came before us doesn’t erase the struggles we still need to face today. We can do both. We can remember where we came from and still work toward a better future. Those things aren’t opposites; they’re connected.”
Silence enveloped the room, then a single deliberate clap broke through. A decorated veteran, one of the honorees, rose to his feet. He was in his late 70s, his posture still straight despite the weight of time. He looked at Karoline, then at Caitlin, and finally at the journalist. “I fought for this country,” he said, voice steady. “I lost friends for it, and I’ll tell you this: when I see young people like them standing up for what they believe in, I don’t see division. I see hope.”
The room shifted. More people stood, applause growing with each passing second. Not everyone clapped; some remained seated, whispering among themselves, while some reporters furiously typed, crafting their spin. But it didn’t matter. Karoline and Caitlin had done something no one expected: they hadn’t backed down.
As the applause echoed through the ballroom, it became clear that this moment was about more than just a flag or a jacket. It was about standing firm in one’s beliefs, about honoring the past while striving for a better future. The entire country was about to watch what happened next, and it was a moment that would resonate far beyond the walls of the Washington Liberty Hotel.
“Just destroy teams”: Caitlin Clark’s preparation draws praise from Indiana Fever’s new coach
Keith Porter is focusing on Caitlin Clark’s growth for her sophomore WNBA season, aiming to elevate her game against tougher defenses. With added strength and skills, the 2024 Rookie of the Year is poised for another breakout year, potentially becoming an MVP contender.
Caitlin Clark. Image via: Michael Conroy/AP
As Indiana Fever’s new Player Development Coach, Keith Porter is focusing on Caitlin Clark’s growth ahead of her sophomore WNBA season. Porter, who previously helped develop top players like Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, aims to elevate Clark’s game by giving her the tools to adapt to tougher defenses. Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, had a standout debut season, setting multiple records. Now, with added strength and skills, she’s poised for another breakout year, as Porter envisions her becoming an MVP contender.
Keith Porter shared his thoughts on Caitlin Clark’s preparation for her upcoming games
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Keith Porter, the new Player Development Coach for the Indiana Fever, shared his approach to working with Caitlin Clark ahead of the 2025 WNBA season. In an interview on Rachel DeMita’s Courtside Club, Porter shared his goal of helping Clark refine her skills and adapt to tougher competition. “My goals for Caitlin, I just want her to just destroy everything,” Porter said of Clark.
He continued, “I want to give her the extra tools to when how teams used to play her, you can’t do that anymore. You can’t force her to take these shots. So now what do you do? I just want her to feel super comfortable in every scenario, every coverage, whatever it is, and just destroy teams.”
Further, Porter believes that Clark will soon add the MVP honors to her credit, “Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. Definitely do,” he added.
As for the 23-year-old guard, she has also been committed to adding accolades to her rising stardom in the WNBA. “Besides the actual basketball skill part of it, I think getting stronger, that’s what I’m focusing on. I’m in the weight room a lot just building that strength,” Clark previously said of her preparation off the court.
“Obviously it was hard going straight from the college season to the professional season and getting to spend a lot of time in the weight rooms. So, that’s what I’ve been focusing on,” she continued.
“And obviously a lot of things on the court. I’m always wanting to get better and that’s what drives me. I love it and I feel very fortunate that it’s my job.”
The Iowa native added, “And obviously a lot of things on the court. I’m always wanting to get better and that’s what drives me. I love it and I feel very fortunate that it’s my job.”
Caitlin Clark hopes to reunite with former Iowa teammate in the WNBA
Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin. Image via: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Clark and Kate Martin shared a remarkable partnership at Iowa, reaching consecutive NCAA finals. Now, as they pursue professional careers, Clark continues to support Martin’s work. During an interview with Swarmcast podcast host David Eickholt, Clark shared her admiration for her former teammate’s performance while hinting at the possibility of reuniting in the WNBA.
“I think people are just seeing her confidence grow and grow. I am really happy for her, and you know hopefully I can recruit her at Fever somehow one day, who knows?” Clark said. “I am gonna try to figure that out, it’s my goal at some point in my career to team up with Kate, we will see if that happens, don’t get too excited,” she added.
Clark has been on her A-game in the league so far adding numerous records as he builds her legacy in the WNBA.
