Caitlin Clark Transforms Offseason Routine, Eyes WNBA Championship
Caitlin Clark dedicated her first professional offseason to intensive strength training and skill development while balancing high-profile appearances, according to ESPN. The reigning Rookie of the Year maintained a strict workout schedule, often returning to early morning training sessions after attending celebrity events.
"I couldn't miss a workout," Clark told Fever president Kelly Krauskopf when questioned about her quick returns from trips.
Clark's commitment impressed Indiana's front office and coaching staff throughout the winter. Unlike many WNBA peers who competed overseas or in the domestic 3-on-3 Unrivaled league, Clark chose to focus exclusively on individual development.
"That's where I'm going to find my confidence coming into this next season," Clark told ESPN, "is just knowing I've been consistent, and whether it's been the weight room, whether it's been my skill development, my shooting."
Physical Transformation and Skill Enhancement
The second-year guard worked with Fever athletic performance coach Sarah Kessler 4-5 times weekly to address the physicality she faced as a rookie. Their training emphasized single-leg exercises for explosiveness, isometrics for improved balance, and single-arm workouts to strengthen her weaker left side.
"I've had athletes who have said that [they want to add muscle mass], and then maybe when the work component shows up to actually achieve those goals, that's where there's maybe a disconnect," Kessler told ESPN. "But with Caitlin, she set those goals and from the jump, I was seeing her in the weight room four to five times a week."
Player development coach Keith Porter complemented Clark's strength training with on-court sessions focusing on footwork variations, floaters, midrange shooting, and creative rim finishes. The collaborative approach included film study with new head coach Stephanie White, analyzing defensive coverages and identifying efficiency opportunities.
"It's just subtleties. It's nuance," White explained. "Just little different things that we wanted to not change, but tweak, add to, emphasize that can help her be just a little bit more efficient and just a little bit more difficult to guard."
Championship Aspirations
When asked about her definition of success for the upcoming season at media day, Clark responded directly: "a championship." This elevated goal follows an offseason where Indiana acquired veterans DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sophie Cunningham to strengthen the roster.
"When you've accomplished everything that you can accomplish individually, but you don't have a championship, that's what it's about," said White, who won an NCAA title as a player at Purdue in 1999.
Clark actively participated in recruitment efforts for free agents during the offseason and provided input on potential acquisitions. She demonstrated deep interest in organizational operations, frequently questioning executives about franchise management.
"I never like to really compare at all, because each player is their own player and Diana Taurasi is the GOAT," said Amber Cox, Fever GM and former Phoenix Mercury executive. "The level of investment that [Taurasi] had in the Mercury, [Clark's interest in the Fever] reminds me of that."
The Fever open their season Saturday hosting the Chicago Sky, with Clark entering as ESPN BET's MVP favorite for 2025.
"[This year] there is this different aura about it," teammate Lexie Hull told ESPN, "that she's here and she's ready to take care of business."