Caitlin Clark, the reigning superstar of women’s basketball, made headlines once again after her stunning appearance on the New Heights podcast, hosted by NFL brothers Jason and Travis Kelce. The six-foot guard from the University of Iowa, NCAA’s all-time Division I scoring leader, WNBA Rookie of the Year, and first overall draft pick didn’t hold back as she opened up in a rare and deeply personal interview. It was a conversation that delivered heartfelt stories, sharp insights, and even a few spicy takes that have since sent fans into a frenzy.
Right from the jump, the Kelce brothers set the stage with their trademark humor and energy, rattling off Clark’s overwhelming list of accomplishments. Jason jokingly compared her to Wayne Gretzky, referencing the never-ending list of accolades that now require a separate Wikipedia page. Clark, ever humble, took it all in stride. When asked which achievement meant the most to her, she gave a surprising answer—academic All-American. It was a nod to her mother, who always valued education and took great pride in Clark’s academic success. For Clark, it was just another way of honoring her family and staying true to her roots.
That humility threaded throughout the entire interview. Despite having shattered 62 records during her WNBA rookie season alone, Clark emphasized that she never played the game to chase numbers. Her love for basketball, she explained, came from pure enjoyment. The awards and records were simply byproducts of hard work, dedication, and having fun along the way. She highlighted her cover appearance as Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year not just as a personal win, but a monumental moment for women’s sports. She acknowledged how few women have held that honor, and how vital it is to continue breaking those barriers.
Clark also revealed her lifelong fandom for the Kansas City Chiefs, which led to a lighthearted exchange with Travis Kelce himself. Growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, just a few hours from Kansas City, Clark described watching Chiefs games every Sunday with her family, her mom cooking while her dad yelled at the TV. She recalled bundling up for cold Arrowhead Stadium games and reminisced about her favorite players like Tony Gonzalez. When fans accused her of being a bandwagon supporter, she laughed it off, explaining that her family’s loyalty to the Chiefs far predated the Mahomes era. Travis returned the love by extending a personal invitation for her to attend a playoff game.
The interview wasn’t all fun and games. Clark also dove into her early basketball journey, sharing that she received her first college recruiting letter in seventh grade. At that age, most kids are worried about middle school drama—not planning their NCAA careers. Her parents shielded her from the pressure, encouraging her to enjoy her youth and keep the game fun. She didn’t start taking college visits until the end of her freshman year in high school and only made her decision by senior year. She credits her grounded approach to the strong support system her family built around her.
Reflecting on her rookie season in the WNBA, Clark spoke candidly about the emotional tightrope she walked. On one hand, she was a rookie trying to earn respect and fit in with her teammates. On the other, she was already being looked at as the face of the league. Finding that balance wasn’t easy. She admitted she struggled early on with knowing when to speak up and when to step back. But thanks to her teammates and veterans like Aaliyah Boston and Erica Wheeler, Clark said she was able to find her footing. These veterans embraced her immediately, helping her transition into the pros both on and off the court.
One of the more memorable moments of the interview came when she talked about her literal “welcome to the WNBA” moment—when her eardrum ruptured during a game. She recalled the pain vividly, comparing it to a childhood incident when she got thrown from a tube into a lake. It was one of many funny stories that showed how well she clicked with the Kelce brothers. Their easy chemistry turned the interview into more of a conversation between old friends than a formal Q&A.
When the conversation turned toward the NBA, Caitlin didn’t hesitate to share her thoughts. Asked why she thought NBA ratings had dipped, Clark argued that most fans don’t understand just how talented NBA players really are. To the untrained eye, it might look like they’re not trying, but Clark emphasized that it only appears that way because of their incredible skill level. She also pointed out that the game has evolved—the physicality has changed, the rivalries aren’t what they used to be, and some fans miss the grit of past eras.
Clark didn’t stop there. She brainstormed with the Kelces on what could make the league more exciting—joking about adding a four-point line or even allowing one hockey-style fight per game. She supported bringing back the traditional East vs West format for the All-Star Game and admitted she wasn’t a fan of the NBA’s current in-season tournament. All the gimmicks, she said, made her miss the simplicity of just playing the game.
The interview also touched on Clark’s competitive side in other sports, particularly golf. She recounted a hilarious moment during a celebrity tournament where she accidentally hit a woman on the shoulder with a rogue shot. Despite being a self-proclaimed hack on the golf course, Clark said her competitiveness still kicks in—even more so when she’s not good at something. She said it frustrates her to no end because in basketball, she knows what she’s doing. In golf, every bad shot feels like a personal failure. It’s a sentiment any athlete or perfectionist can relate to.
As the podcast drew to a close, Caitlin looked toward her future beyond basketball. With a degree in marketing and a deep love for sports, she said she could see herself working in a front office someday. She’s not interested in coaching but would love to be involved in the operations side—making trades, working on free agency, and helping build winning teams. It’s a natural fit for someone as smart, driven, and sports-obsessed as she is.
Through it all, one thing was clear: Caitlin Clark is more than just a basketball player. She’s a once-in-a-generation talent, a thoughtful leader, a loyal sports fan, and a grounded young woman who knows exactly who she is. Whether she’s making headlines on the court or sharing vulnerable truths behind a microphone, her authenticity shines just as brightly as her talent.
Fans who tuned in to the New Heights podcast didn’t just get a look at Caitlin Clark the athlete. They got Caitlin Clark the person. And that, more than anything, is why her story continues to captivate audiences around the world.
