Caitlin Clark is preparing for her U.S. national team debut. Before taking the court, she shared a powerful memory about the WNBA legends who inspired her. Clark named Maya Moore, Sue Bird, and Diana Taurasi as her idols, recalling a specific moment that shaped her career.

Speaking about the athletes who inspired her most, Clark said, “Yeah, I mean, like my favorite Olympians growing up, definitely Maya Moore, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, those are probably my three favorite.”

Clark has often talked about Maya Moore as her idol growing up. Back when she was twelve, the four-time WNBA champion met Clark and left a lasting impression. In fact, it was the reason Caitlin still takes the time to leave an impact on the young girls who look up to her. Seeing mementos from three of the WNBA's most iconic players in one place was an unforgettable moment for her.

Clark recalled, “And I remember like one of my best memories as a young basketball player was when... we were in Colorado Springs, and we got to see this room... we got to see this room where they kept like jerseys of all their like best players or a jersey from each player.”

She explained that the room was filled with jerseys from senior national team players, and at the time, Clark and her teammates were only 15 and 16 years old.

“They had jerseys dating back years and years and years. And I remember as a kid... my eyes were just so wide. I thought that was the coolest thing in the world.”

Clark understands that her return to competition might have some early challenges.

Caitlin Clark Admits Nerves but Trusts Her Game

On March 7, Caitlin Clark discussed her expectations for returning to the court.

She explained that some early nerves and adjustments are likely. “It'll probably take me a second to knock a little bit of the rust off. I'll probably be a little bit nervous, which I usually don't get nervous... I haven't really played basketball in a while,” she said.

The 24-year-old emphasized the work she has put in during her recovery, saying, “But more than anything, just really excited. I know how much work and how much time I put in to make sure my body's as healthy as it can be and to get back.”

For context, Clark’s numbers dipped in 2025 compared to her electric 2024 rookie season. However, much of that was due to injuries that limited her time on the court and shortened her WNBA campaign to just 13 games.

So do you think Caitlin Clark will quickly find her rhythm when she returns for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifiers? And which Olympic legend, Maya Moore, Sue Bird, or Diana Taurasi, inspired you the most while growing up?

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar