Caitlin Clark, the sensational six-foot guard from the University of Iowa, has taken the sports world by storm with her unmatched talent and relentless drive. After shattering records and dominating college basketball, she went on to break new ground in the WNBA, claiming titles, honors, and a legion of fans. But in a recent interview on the New Heights podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce, she did not hold back. This interview wasn’t just another run-of-the-mill conversation—Caitlin set the tone for the year ahead with jaw-dropping revelations, candid opinions, and an unapologetic look at what it means to be a sports icon in today’s world.

From the very beginning, the Kelce brothers wasted no time diving deep into Caitlin’s awe-inspiring career. They started with a fun question about her incredible achievements, and Caitlin’s response was as grounded as ever. Despite her countless accolades—including becoming the NCAA all-time Division I scoring leader and the first pick in the WNBA draft—Caitlin brushed off the spotlight, showing the same humility that has defined her journey. Jason Kelce joked about how her resume made his own look short, a playful icebreaker that set the stage for a conversation that would span her athletic career, personal experiences, and vision for the future.

As the Kelces joked about Caitlin’s seemingly endless list of accomplishments, she casually mentioned breaking at least 62 records in her first WNBA season alone. With her talents already rewriting history, Caitlin reflected on how her family’s support has been the foundation for her success. “My mom would say academic All-American,” Caitlin said when asked which accolade meant the most to her. Though her on-court achievements are legendary, Caitlin humbly credits her parents for instilling in her the values that truly matter. Her mother’s pride in Caitlin’s academic success was a deeply meaningful moment for the young star, who understands that accomplishments go beyond mere statistics.

Yet, as much as Caitlin downplays her record-breaking feats, she could not hide her excitement about one major honor—the recognition as Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year. “It was cool just because you see the list of athletes who’ve been recognized before me,” Caitlin explained, citing LeBron James as the only other basketball player to earn the same distinction. But Caitlin’s achievement was particularly special for women’s sports, an arena that has long been underrepresented on such prestigious platforms. Caitlin recognized that this honor wasn’t just a win for her—it was a victory for women in sports and a symbol of the growing recognition for their contributions.

The conversation then took an unexpected turn as Caitlin revealed her deep-rooted fandom for the Kansas City Chiefs, a passion that started long before the team’s recent success. Growing up just a few hours away from Kansas City in Des Moines, Caitlin’s father was a huge Chiefs fan. She fondly recalled how her family would gather every Sunday to watch the games, a tradition she still cherishes. And now, with the Chiefs’ success in the NFL, Caitlin has become a passionate supporter. “People think I’m a bandwagon fan, but I’ve been with them since before Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce,” she laughed, quickly acknowledging how much fun it’s been to cheer for them as their rise to stardom continues.

Her candidness didn’t stop there. Caitlin took the opportunity to reminisce about her childhood, specifically how basketball became a fixture in her life from a young age. She revealed an astonishing fact: Caitlin received her first college recruitment letter in the seventh grade. While most kids her age were still navigating middle school drama, Caitlin was already being scouted by major college programs. She recounted how, at that time, her parents had made sure she enjoyed her childhood without getting caught up in the pressure of recruitment. “They wanted me to enjoy middle school and be a kid,” Caitlin explained, reflecting on how grateful she was for her parents’ support in keeping her grounded during her rise to basketball stardom.

As the conversation turned toward her rookie season in the WNBA, Caitlin got real about the challenges of adjusting to a new team and league. “As a rookie, it’s a delicate balancing act,” Caitlin said, discussing how difficult it was to find her footing in a professional setting while still maintaining her own identity as a player. She expressed deep gratitude for the veteran players who helped her navigate the transition. Caitlin specifically mentioned how veterans like Aaliyah Boston and Erica Wheeler made her feel supported from day one, despite the immense pressure she faced. “They made sure I knew that we had each other’s backs,” Caitlin said with sincere appreciation, underscoring the importance of teamwork and mentorship in her journey.

Caitlin also opened up about one of the toughest moments of her rookie season—a brutal injury during her first game against the Connecticut Sun. “My eardrum popped and ruptured,” Caitlin explained, showing how difficult and painful it was to play through that injury. Despite the setback, Caitlin’s resilience only strengthened her resolve. “It was one of those ‘welcome to the WNBA’ moments,” she said, but it was also a powerful reminder of how far she’s come and what it takes to thrive at the highest level.

The discussion shifted to Caitlin’s honest take on the state of the NBA. With a directness that’s rare in the world of elite athletes, Caitlin shared her thoughts on why NBA ratings have taken a hit. She emphasized that while NBA players are incredibly skilled, fans may not fully appreciate just how much effort and precision goes into their play. Caitlin also acknowledged that the physicality of the game has changed over the years, which some fans may find disappointing. “People want more beef and physicality, but the skill level has changed,” she explained. Caitlin’s perspective on the NBA’s evolution was refreshingly candid, especially coming from an athlete who understands what it takes to keep fans engaged.

The trio even brainstormed ways to spice up the game, from the introduction of a four-point line to rethinking the NBA All-Star format. Caitlin’s sense of humor and creative thinking shone through as she proposed ideas to make basketball even more exciting for fans. “Let’s do a four-point line,” she joked, before adding, “Why not? It’d be genius.”

As the conversation came to a close, Caitlin reflected on how much her life has changed in just a year. “It’s been life-changing in all the best ways,” she said, noting the incredible growth she’s experienced both on and off the court. Caitlin’s journey has been one of immense success, but she remains grounded in her passion for the game and her commitment to growing women’s sports. “Life changes fast, but that’s what makes it fun,” she said, looking ahead to the next chapter of her already legendary career.

With a mix of honesty, humor, and humility, Caitlin Clark’s interview with the Kelce brothers provided a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the most exciting and inspiring athletes of our time. Whether it’s breaking records, sharing candid opinions, or setting the stage for future success, Caitlin continues to prove that she’s not just a basketball icon—she’s a force to be reckoned with both on and off the court. Don’t miss the full interview, where Caitlin Clark opens up like never before—revealing insights and moments that will leave you inspired and ready for whatever comes next.