Caitlin Clark: Mental Health Most Important Part of My Game

Caitlin Clark is averaging career highs this season with 23.8 points and 9.0 assists per game, but the Indiana Fever star says something else matters even more: her mental health.

The 24-year-old guard revealed Monday that working with a sports psychologist has been the most important part of her success. She's been meeting with one for years, and credits that support for helping her become the player she is today.

"I think any high-performing athlete would tell you that you wouldn't be able to perform at that level without it," Clark told reporters during practice. "I think it's maybe the most important thing that I have as part of my team and the people that I work with."

The two-time All-Star explained that balancing the performance side of basketball with the human side can be overwhelming. Having a professional to talk through those challenges makes all the difference.

"Obviously, my body and the performance matter because I want to be great, but I can't do that if my mind's not right," Clark said.

Clark learned an important lesson over the years: you don't always have to power through everything alone. She now gives herself permission to feel disappointed, stressed, or doubtful when things get tough.

The mental health support became especially crucial last season when injuries limited her to just 13 games. Getting back to top form required more than physical recovery. Her sports psychologist helped her navigate the difficult comeback journey.

Why This Inspires

Clark's openness about prioritizing mental health sends a powerful message to young athletes everywhere. By naming it as her most important tool, she's helping break down the stigma that asking for help is a weakness.

She's also proving that peak performance and mental health support go hand in hand. The numbers speak for themselves: Clark is having her best statistical season while being vocal about the psychological work behind it.

Her honesty about not staying too high or too low helps normalize the full range of human emotions. Elite athletes aren't robots, and Clark is showing that acknowledging your feelings makes you stronger, not weaker.

The rising star is using her platform to show that taking care of your mind isn't just okay—it's essential for anyone trying to perform at their best.