Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has returned to competitive play after a grueling eight-month hiatus. The 24-year-old made her Team USA senior debut Wednesday in Puerto Rico. She helped the team kick off its 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament against Senegal.
For Clark, the appearance marks a major professional milestone and the end of a frustrating recovery. Recurring injuries sidelined her after just 13 games in the 2025 WNBA season. A right groin injury on July 15 cut her season short.
After months of intensive rehabilitation, the WNBA star said she has reached a point of physical and mental clarity. However, she was candid about the toll the recovery process took on her.
Caitlin Clark opens up about frustrating 2025 WNBA season and comeback
Reflecting on the disappointment of last season, Clark noted how difficult it was to see her preparation go to waste.
“Probably the part that kind of stunk about it is I felt like I put in so much time and so much energy going into last season,” she said in an interview. “And then obviously I only appeared in about 13 games and some of those, I probably wasn’t as healthy as I probably should have been.”
According to the 6-foot guard, her minor but recurring injuries created a frustrating cycle that drained her body and mind.
“It was these nagging injuries that continued to build up and build up — and dealt with one on top of the other,” she continued. “I think that probably almost played with my mind even more. Knowing I was going to be out for a set period of time, I was always trying to come back, always trying to come back, and then I’d get hurt in another way and then finally, obviously, shutting it down.”
Caitlin Clark leaves no regrets
Clark spent the offseason working with the Fever’s medical and development staff to regain her health. She said the long rehabilitation period not only helped her rebuild physically but also helped restore confidence in her body.
“When you’ve dealt with so many little soft tissue injuries, you can get in your head a little bit,” she admitted. “I think, at least past couple months, I’ve really put that behind me and really just feel confident in what I’ve been able to build and where my body’s at. And more than anything, where my game’s at. I know I’ve put in as much time as I can truly can.”
Despite the long layoff, Clark believes she has improved and is ready to make an impact in the World Cup Qualifying Tournament. She will play alongside top WNBA players such as Angel Reese, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Paige Bueckers. They will compete in a five-game slate in Puerto Rico from March 11 to 17.
After Senegal, Team USA will face Puerto Rico on Thursday, Italy on Saturday, New Zealand on Sunday and Spain next Tuesday. With such a packed schedule, Clark’s fitness and stamina will surely be put to the test.
WNBA legend Lisa Leslie sends strong message to Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese
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