Caitlin Clark's behavior around Barack Obama draws attention

Mark J. Rebilas - IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Caitlin Clark's behavior around Barack Obama draws attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jul 25, 2026 6:54 PM ET

Caitlin Clark met Barack Obama, who gave her some advice. He reminded her how good she is as a basketball player and urged her not to let detractors get the best of her.

The Indiana Fever superstar guard remained humble and appeared to be starstruck by the former U.S. President's presence.

Obama praised Clark, calling her a "hooper," and she responded by saying that she tries to be one sometimes. He then reaffirmed her by emphasizing that she continues to play well.

“You’re fantastic," Obama said. "Don’t let all this nonsense get you down. I didn’t get famous until I was like 45, I mean, you’re my daughter's age. So don’t lose that joy. And you’re a hooper. ... No, you’re always hooping and you’re on a nice little run.”

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Their moment ended after posing for a picture, and Clark also asked her teammates to join them.

Fans shared their thoughts about the three-time WNBA All-Star's behavior around Obama.

"I think she was very nervous. And she’s a kid. Remember that," a fan said.

"Her presence of mind to invite her teammates into this moment was awesome," one comment read.

"CC...'WE try' 'C'mon guys' (for the picture). Always with her Teammates. There's no I in that girl, it's always WE. Class act. ," a user wrote.

"Caitlin is too humble," posted another.

"She was generous to share the moment ❤️," another fan commented.

" she didn’t ask for a picture. She ask Obama if he wanted a picture ," one reaction read.

Their interaction happened on Friday when Obama made a surprise visit to the All-Stars practice session at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The city is hosting the midseason spectacle, with Clark earning her third consecutive All-Star nod this season.

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

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