Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has truly had a year to remember. From being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft to shattering records and earning major accolades in her rookie season, the Iowa alum has quickly become one of the brightest stars in the league. At just 23 years old, Clark is already rewriting the history books, cementing her place as one of basketball’s most electrifying talents.
Clark’s journey to the WNBA was nothing short of remarkable. As the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, she was already a household name in the college basketball world before even stepping onto a professional court. Her exceptional performance during her college years at the University of Iowa earned her the respect of fans and analysts alike. But many wondered if she could carry that success over to the next level.
In her debut season, Clark not only met but exceeded the high expectations placed on her. She was named the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year, and her outstanding play earned her a coveted spot on the All-WNBA First Team. She became the first rookie since 2008 to be recognized in this way, a testament to her instant impact on the league. Clark’s record-breaking season included setting the record for the most points by a guard in league history, scoring 769 points—an extraordinary feat that speaks to her scoring prowess.
Clark’s talent didn’t stop at scoring. She also made history with her playmaking ability. In a single game, she dished out 19 assists, setting a new WNBA record for most assists in a game. But perhaps the most remarkable statistic of all was her ability to record a triple-double—something no rookie had ever done before. Clark not only achieved this feat once, but she did it twice, further showcasing her all-around game and versatility. This exceptional rookie season was enough to earn her the title of TIME magazine’s Athlete of the Year, a crowning achievement for a year that was filled with personal and professional triumphs.
With all the success Clark has experienced, it’s no surprise that fans are eager to know how she celebrates her accomplishments—and how she spends her personal time. On January 22, 2025, Clark celebrated her 23rd birthday, and fans took to social media to share well-wishes. Among those sending birthday shoutouts were Clark’s Fever teammate, Aliyah Boston, former Hawkeye teammate, Kate Martin, and even Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. The support from her peers was overwhelming, highlighting the strong relationships Clark has built with her fellow athletes.
our coaches and front office sang happy birthday to Caitlin Clark after her workout today ❤️ pic.twitter.com/tpLoGOdyJq
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) January 22, 2025
Despite the outpouring of love and attention, Clark’s birthday celebrations stayed true to her hardworking and focused mentality. Known for her relentless drive, the basketball phenom didn’t take the day off to relax. Instead, she spent her special day doing what she does best—working hard on the court. The Indiana Fever posted a video of Clark drenched in sweat after a rigorous workout, where coaches and front office staff surprised her with a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” It’s a moment that perfectly encapsulates her dedication to her craft, as well as the tight-knit and supportive environment within the Fever organization.
The fans who follow Clark were hardly surprised by her commitment to staying in the gym on her birthday. One fan commented, “Of course she’s getting gains on her birthday. Of course she is.” Another added, “My Baby takes no days off even on her birthday. Happy Birthday.” It’s clear that for Clark, there’s no such thing as taking a break—her work ethic is simply unmatched. One Fever fan expressed it perfectly, saying, “Getting work in on her birthday. Cut from a different cloth. Levels 😤😤😤.” It’s this mentality that has helped Clark rise to the top of her game and will continue to fuel her success in the future.
Though she’s laser-focused on basketball, Clark also knows how to enjoy her downtime. A few days before her birthday, she attended the AFC divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, where the Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 23-14. Clark enjoyed the game from the VIP suite of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, sitting next to his girlfriend, pop superstar Taylor Swift. As a self-proclaimed Swiftie, Clark had a blast at the game, proving that she knows how to have fun when she’s not on the court.
Clark’s connection to Swift doesn’t end there. In October 2024, she attended multiple “Eras Tour” concerts by Taylor Swift at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where she was seen living her best life as a fan of the pop icon. It’s clear that while Clark may be one of the brightest stars in basketball, she’s also just like many of her fans, enjoying the same experiences that make life enjoyable outside of the spotlight.
Looking ahead, Caitlin Clark’s future in the WNBA is incredibly bright. She has already proven herself to be a generational talent, and if her rookie season is any indication, her best years are still ahead of her. With her combination of scoring ability, playmaking vision, and work ethic, Clark is poised to be one of the defining players of the next era of women’s basketball. As the Indiana Fever continue to build around her, the sky is truly the limit for this young star.
For now, though, Caitlin Clark is taking everything in stride—on the court, in her personal life, and in how she approaches each new challenge that comes her way. With more records to break, games to win, and celebrations to enjoy, there’s no doubt that Clark’s 23rd year will be just as memorable as her 22nd.
True to form, if Clark isn’t playing sports, she’s watching them. A few days earlier, she traveled to Arrowhead Stadium to catch the Chiefs defeat the Houston Texans 23-14 in the AFC divisional round. Clark appeared to have a fantastic time in Chief tight end Travis Kelce’s VIP suite while sitting next to his girlfriend, Taylor Swift.
The self-proclaimed Swiftie attended back-to-back “Eras Tour” concerts at Lucas Oil Stadium in October.
