LEBANON, Ind. – Anticipation is growing across the state to see Caitlin Clark play on her new home court. After her record-breaking college basketball career, she caught the attention of fans across the United States, and now Indiana's Fever is turning her attention. The team is expected to draw big crowds wherever they go this season, and a lot of that is due to Clark.
She is now a well-known name and loved even by the youngest basketball players.
“Anytime we talk about basketball, she's always included in the conversation,” said 10-year-old fan London Martin.
A FOX 59 crew stopped by Farmers Bank Fieldhouse in Lebanon Wednesday afternoon where some youth basketball teams were practicing.
“She's like a role model to me,” said fan Caroline Scherzer, 9. “She's truly an inspiration.”
The kids started lining up, excited to be interviewed about sports superstars.
“We ask questions on the message board every day, and today's question was, 'Who is your favorite basketball player?' It was like Caitlin Clark,” said Eva, an 11-year-old fan. Carmichael said.
Caitlin Clark's jersey disappeared from shelves within hours of being drafted by the Fever last month. Many of them now belong to children who want to be like her when they grow up.
“She was such a nice person,” said fan Lily Reilly, 10. “She was like the queen of the court.”
Reilly got a surprise for his birthday with a courtside seat for Thursday's preseason game.
“personally, [she’s] He’s my favorite basketball player,” said Tatum Spencer, a 12-year-old fan.
“She shot a lot of crazy shots,” said fan Meryl Gregory, 9.
The kids all agreed that there's one thing now almost synonymous with the name Caitlin Clark: the three-shot.
Another young fan added, “Sometimes it's hard for NBA players to hit threes that far.” “I think she's one of the best basketball players.”
“We're shooting a lot of threes, but [more] Probably more than before,” Mason Hankins said.
Farmers Bank Fieldhouse President Mason Hankins said the youth basketball program has recently seen an increase in the number of tryouts and excitement from both girls and boys.
“There were just as many boys saying, 'Oh, Caitlin Clark, she's a goat,'” Hankins said.
Another young fan said, “Shooting from almost half the court is crazy.” “For example, how do you practice every day?”
“I think she's a really talented athlete,” said fan Liam Jenkins, 11.
“She's very good and an outstanding shooter,” said fan Leighton Jenkins, 12. “She just seems like a good person and a good human being to respect.”
The “Caitlin Clark effect” is often measured in dollar signs. For example, StubHub reports that ticket sales have skyrocketed by 93% thanks to Clark. But for the next generation of basketball players, her influence is indelible in another way.
“After I watch her game, I want to go out and shoot some baskets,” said 10-year-old fan London Martin.
“When Stephen Curry came on the scene, all the kids were wearing jerseys,” Hankins explained. “Every time they shoot a gun they say, 'I'm like Steph. That's the same thing I see…I'm in the gym with these kids every day. They're all like, ' I look like Caitlin Clark.'' It's really cool to see that, as do the boys. ”
Another young fan said, “She's an all-around threat.” “Almost no one can stop her.”