The South Carolina coach praised Clark’s talent and influence, but revealed the defensive approach she believes can limit the WNBA sensation.
Caitlin Clark has quickly become the face of the WNBA. Since being drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024, the former Iowa superstar has transformed the women’s game with her deep shooting, elite court vision, and growing fanbase.
Averaging 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 8.7 assists through her first six games this season, Clark continues to deliver on the immense hype that has surrounded her career.
But while she’s earned admiration from fans and coaches alike, some basketball minds are also looking for ways to contain her.
On a recent episode of Not Gonna Lie With Kylie Kelce, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley opened up about Clark‘s impact on and off the court-and why defending her is such a tall task.
“I think she’s quite incredible, quite an anomaly when it comes to how many eyeballs that she’s bringing on the game, and new eyeballs,” said Staley.
“And the newness of those eyeballs only want her to do well, only want you to speak very highly of her, only want you to agree with what they agree with. And that’s kind of hard when we are critics to everyone that plays the game. We’re critics to it. It’s a part of our, the fabric of sports.”
Staley shares the key to slowing Clark down
Despite the challenges she presents, Staley revealed the specific qualities that make Clark so dangerous-and how opponents might try to neutralize her.
“I would say she’s probably the most difficult to scout, to play against, in that she can beat you a variety of ways,” she said.
“She can beat you with her, obviously, a three-point shot, but for me, the most dangerous thing of Caitlin Clark is her passing ability, her ability to make other people better, and her ability to have other people’s production along with her production. That’s how you win. If you can get somebody to produce along with her, if you could take that away.”
That last insight offers a subtle but significant clue for Clark‘s WNBA rivals: it may not be enough to slow her scoring, but limiting the effectiveness of her teammates could be key to disrupting Indiana’s rhythm.
Clark‘s rookie season was a record-breaking one-earning her All-Star honors, a spot on the All-WNBA First Team, Rookie of the Year, and the league assist crown. In 2025, she’s already emerging as an MVP contender, but opponents, it seems, are getting smarter about how to prepare.
As Staley made clear, it’s not just about guarding Caitlin Clark. It’s about cutting off everything-and everyone-she makes better.
