Clark: Injuries 'challenged me mentally'

Caitlin Clark revealed that her injuries have "challenged her mentally" after returning to WNBA action with the Indiana Fever.

The guard missed five games after suffering a quad injury on May 24, but was sidelined again for four games after returning on June 24 with a groin problem.

Clark consequently missed the Fever's 2025 Commissioner’s Cup win over the Minnesota Lynx, while Stephanie White's side went 5-5 without her star player in the lineup.

Clark returned in the Fever's 80-61 defeat to the Golden State Valkyries, where she scored 10 points and picked up six assists and five rebounds in 25 minutes of action.

The 23-year-old admitted it was difficult to miss games through injury, but felt good to return to the side.

"It's honestly been hard, I'm not gonna lie to you," said Clark.

"It's difficult going to prepare for games, but knowing you're not going to be playing in them.

"It's challenged me mentally. It's really hard to stop and go, stop and go, stop and go, especially when you're not feeling your best. Just trying to get my body as healthy as I can be and remain confident in myself.

Caitlin Clark buries her first three in her return to action pic.twitter.com/l1ZwJjAGd4
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 9, 2025

"It felt good to be out there. It's going to take me a second to get my wind back.

"There's not anything that can replicate a true game... I was trying to play shorter stints, but sometimes it's almost harder to sit on the bench and come in the game. It's kind of finding a balance of that. Just trying to get my legs under me."

Head coach White added: "Being injured is just hard because you're injured, it's hard mentally. You want to be out there. Super competitive and want to help your team.

"Frustrated with the rehab process. Frustrated with all of those things, especially when it's your first. For [Clark], this is the first time she's had to go through this. So everything from rehab and treatment and strength training to return to play is all new for her."