Caitlin Clark’s basketball journey began long before she became one of the faces of women’s basketball. Her skills were so advanced even in grade school that her parents had to sign her up to play on boys’ teams. Clark wanted to “hang with the boys,” so she had to keep up athletically and do her part to stay on the court. By the time she entered middle school, she was already well-known in Iowa’s basketball circles.

Clark’s love for the game started young. She grew up in West Des Moines, where her grandfather was a football coach and school administrator at Dowling Catholic High School. Clark began playing basketball at age five, initially competing in boys’ recreational leagues because her father couldn’t find a girls’ league for her age group. “Growing up playing with the boys, I think until about sixth grade, my parents knew I was a little more advanced in my skill set,” Clark recalled. Finding competitive girls’ teams was difficult, so she thrived among the boys.

Clark was a natural athlete, playing not only basketball but also softball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and golf. However, once she reached high school, she focused on basketball and soccer. By the time she was a sophomore, she gave up soccer entirely, knowing her future was in basketball. At age 13, she was already playing several years ahead of her age group in girls’ leagues.

Her turning point came when her father took her to a WNBA game in Minnesota. Inspired, she returned home determined to add deep-range shots to her arsenal. One fun memory she shared was begging her father to tear up the grass in their yard to pour concrete so she could have a full three-point line in her driveway. That dedication to improving her shot paid off.

Clark’s father, Brent, was a college basketball player and her first coach. He shared her passion for the game, though he approached it with a calmer demeanor, reminding her to stay composed. However, Clark’s fierce competitiveness drove her to greatness. Even as a young girl, she dominated boys on the court, with footage showing her effortlessly dribbling past her opponents.

Her hard work and dedication to the sport became evident on the professional stage. As a rookie in the WNBA, Clark broke several shooting records, including surpassing Ryan Howard’s rookie record for made three-pointers. In a game against the Connecticut Sun, she hit her 86th three-pointer, breaking Howard’s record in just her 31st game, compared to Howard’s 34-game season.

Clark’s journey to the WNBA began years earlier when Iowa’s associate head coach, Jan Jensen, first heard about her in sixth grade. By the time Jensen saw her play, Clark’s talent was undeniable. She had a signature step-back three-point shot, impressive court vision, and a fearlessness that set her apart. Her former high school coach, Kristen Meyer, who coached her from 2016 to 2020, said Clark’s work ethic and passion for the game were no surprise.

Growing up in a competitive household with two brothers, Blake and Colin, Clark’s drive to win was instilled early. Whether it was a basement Nerf basketball game or a family board game, Clark always wanted to win. This fierce competitiveness led to intense moments, like the time she launched her brother into a wall during a heated game.

Clark’s impressive high school career included leading her AAU team, the All Iowa Attack, to a national championship in 2018 and winning gold medals with the USA U16 and U19 teams. Despite facing setbacks, such as not making the USA U17 team, Clark used those challenges as motivation to improve.

By her junior year of high school, Clark was named Gatorade National Player of the Year, averaging 32.6 points per game. Her defining high school game came when she scored 60 points, including a state-record 13 three-pointers, in a single game. That performance foreshadowed the incredible player she would become.

Caitlin Clark’s journey from a young girl playing against boys in Iowa to breaking records in the WNBA is a testament to her talent, dedication, and competitive spirit. Her story continues to inspire, and her remarkable skills have already left a lasting impact on women’s basketball.