Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark's Comment on WNBA Coach Draws Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 7:32 AM ET

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is still reeling from her incredible run with Team USA at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament. The 24-year-old made waves in her first international tournament for the senior squad, leading USA Basketball to a perfect 5-0 record in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Clark averaged 11.6 points on 52.9% shooting, while also leading the entire tournament with 6.4 assists per game. The 6-foot guard also added 1.6 rebounds and 2.0 triples per contest on a 40.0% clip. Despite starting just one game, Clark led Team USA in minutes per game with 21.2.

Clark’s efforts were rewarded by FIBA with the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark warms up before a WNBA game.Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Kara Lawson is Team USA’s head coach. However, she had to leave mid-tournament to prepare for the Duke Blue Devils’ run in the NCAA women’s tournament.

Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts took over after Lawson’s departure. He was assisted by an elite group of coaches, which included Fever head coach Stephanie White and Natalie Nakase of the Golden State Valkyries.

Nakase took to social media on Saturday to send a parting message following her successful stint with Team USA.

View this post on Instagram

Clark was one of the first USA Basketball stars to comment on Nakase’s post.

“goatttttt. Guard group ” Clark wrote.

Clark’s comment quickly drew the attention of fans on social media.

“Caitlin loves Coach Nakase,” a comment on X read.

“Cute and she will also love beating her team this year,” another said.

“She just followed her too, she wasn’t following her a few hours ago,” pointed out a user.

“She would be a great coach for CC. A major step up!!” declared a fan.

“Coach Nakase is a great match for Caitlin,” agreed another.

“I guess CC likes the trash talking no? Remember what she said about CC last year? Lol,” reminded a reader.

Clark and Nakase will need to put the pleasantries aside once the new WNBA season begins in May. The first matchup between the Fever and the Valkyries is scheduled on May 22 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

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

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