Caitlin Clark Earns New Nickname After Fever-Mystics Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated May 3, 2025 6:42 PM ET

The Indiana Fever made their return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon for their first game of the 2025 WNBA preseason.

With Caitlin Clark sidelined due to a leg injury, the Fever were still able to secure a 79-74 victory in overtime over the Washington Mystics despite trailing by six points heading into the final minute of regulation.

Thanks to a few boneheaded fouls by the Mystics in the last 60 seconds, Indiana was able to score six consecutive points, all from the free throw line, to send the game to extra minutes.

Although Clark was on the bench for the entire game, the former Iowa star was as vocal as ever. She was constantly cheering on her teammates, appearing to give them advice on certain occasions as well.

Caitlin Clark coming out of her shell this year is going to unlock her team in so many new ways. It felt last year like at points she felt stiff and serious. This year she’s playful and free. pic.twitter.com/OdufA0qE9h
— Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick) May 3, 2025

WNBA fans appreciated Clark helping her teammates throughout the game despite not playing, enough so that they granted her a new nickname, calling her "Coach Caitlin Clark."

"I never want to see Coach Cait again, but she’s very cute," one fan said.

"coach cait," added another.

"Coach Caitlin Clark thinks it’s a foul, ref!" wrote a third.

"Coach Caitlin approves! Sophie is a DAWG! #WNBA #FeverRising," posted a fourth.

"Coach Caitlin Clark during the timeout," commented a fifth.

"Coach Clark was all up in the mix today. Coach White said she appreciated her input," added a sixth.

Newly acquired guard Sophie Cunningham stole the show in 34 minutes off the bench, tallying a game-high 21 points and eight rebounds. Lexie Hull added 13 points and Kelsey Mitchell added 12.

The Fever will be back in action on Sunday afternoon for the second game of a back-to-back, playing on Iowa's campus against the Brazil national team. Barring a major injury change, Clark should be able to make her 2025 preseason debut in front of Hawkeyes fans.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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