Caitlin Clark Talks Injury-Riddled 2025 WNBA Season, 'Haven't Felt Like a Young Body'

The physical and mental toll of the 2025 WNBA season has added up for Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.

"This is the first time I haven't felt like a young body that can run around and sprint every day and just continue to do that," Clark said at an event during All-Star Weekend, per Glamour. "Being a professional athlete, you really have to take care of both your body and your mind — it's been a journey learning about that."

The reigning Rookie of the Year has been limited to 13 appearances thanks to separate quad and groin injuries. She last suited up in Indiana's 85-77 win over the Connecticut Sun on July 15 and missed all of the All-Star festivities.

Head coach Stephanie White provided an update on the situation Tuesday, which amounted to no update at all:

For Clark, the hardships caused by the injuries are compounded by the burden placed on her as one of the WNBA's most visible faces.

"Obviously I love playing basketball, but it can be stressful having so many eyes on you all the time, and during the season, you're just going game to game to game," she said.

Clark made a larger point about the value of maintaining her mental health.

"When you have an athlete or role model you look up to, it's easy to see them as always happy and living a glamorous life, but it's not always like that," she said. "We go through difficult things too, and being able to lean on people and tell them your frustrations or that you're not OK is really important."

There's no question the Fever need Clark on the court. At 12-12, they've struggled to maintain their positive momentum when they string together some wins. And Indiana is 8.9 points worse per 100 possessions when Clark is on the bench, per WNBA.com.

Still, the organization has to keep an eye on the bigger picture. Rushing the two-time All-Star back before she's ready risks only making things worse.