While most would expect a “life-altering” experience to come with a blast, Caitlin Clark highlighted just how strikingly yet subtly Maya Moore swept her off her feet.

During a 2025 cover feature with SLAM, the Indiana Fever star recalled her first meeting with Moore through a hug. It wasn’t a flashy moment that was even photographed. But it left a strong effect, nonetheless.

“There’s no documentation of that moment." Clark recalled that instance. “But in my brain, it was probably one of the most pivotal moments of my entire basketball career… As a young girl loving sports, that meant the world to me.”

A young Clark remembered writing in her journal that she’d like to meet Maya Moore someday. The opportunity came when she attended her first WNBA match with her father, a Minnesota Lynx game.

Luckily, Moore featured in a Q&A session that Clark stayed for. But having no phones or a Sharpie, the only witness to that meeting was the hug she gave to Moore. And that changed the trajectory of her basketball career.

A grown-up Caitlin Clark went on to inspire a new generation and reshape women’s basketball. But there was her childhood idol, outlining the next steps for her.

Maya Moore Once Outlined Caitlin Clark’s “Next Steps”

Within her 3-year WNBA tenure, Clark has revolutionized the league in several ways. But even so, the 4x WNBA champion shared some insights that the Fever star could incorporate in her game going forward.

“Hopefully, the more (CC) can get connected to vets in the league, and just different people, coaches, anyone that she can glean wisdom from, of how to just continue to learn how to be as connected and inspiring of a leader as she can be,” she stated in 2025.

“She's already on her way," Moore added. “The next step is how to become an even better leader… continuing to have fun, continuing to anticipate how people are going to try to stop her and being prepared.”

Moving on, can you name any of Clark’s other role models? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi