Caitlin Clark has experienced a flurry of milestone moments as of late, but one from her childhood will forever stand out.
When she attended a Minnesota Lynx game at age 12, Clark hugged her hero, former WNBA first-overall pick Maya Moore, on the court postgame, an encounter “that’s stuck with” the Indiana Fever rookie, who will be making her pro debut this month.
“Ten seconds can go a long way in somebody’s life,” Clark recently said, according to USA Today. “That’s a good lesson whether you play sports or don’t play sports, how you treat somebody matters.”
The now-22-year-old Clark is looking to emulate Moore — a four-time WNBA champion and former league MVP — both on and off the court, as her dominance at the collegiate level has continued to usher in new audiences and younger fans.
“I just try to take as much time as I can for those young girls because Maya was so nice to me when I ran up to her, and that’s something that’s stuck with me all the way until I’m 22 years old,” she said.
Clark, who was selected first overall by the Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft last month, had a sweet reunion with Moore, 34, in early March, hours before she became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer in an Iowa win over Ohio State.
ESPN’s “College Gameday” captured Clark’s reaction to Moore, with the former Hawkeye reflecting on their past interaction.
“I still feel like I was this tall and freaking out and I ran across the court and gave you a hug,” the 6-foot guard told Moore.
Moore told USA Today “it’s humbling and encouraging to know I had a part in helping Caitlin continue that spirit of being good to people.”
“It’s super sweet to know that the time you take with the people who love watching you play matters and means something,” the six-time WNBA All-Star said to USA Today.
“It’s not necessarily about performing a certain way but being as genuine as I can, because that’s what people need.
“… It’s another reminder that we all have a role to play, and all have the ability to influence someone.”
Moore was originally drafted by the Lynx in 2011 and played through the 2018 season.
She stepped away from the game in 2019 to focus on family life and ministry dreams, as detailed in a personal essay in “The Players’ Tribune.”
Moore’s break continued as she focused on social justice advocacy before retiring in 2023.
Clark and the Fever open the season against the Connecticut Sun on May 14.
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