Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates after scoring a 3-pointer Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Connecticut Sun, 88-71.

'I Didn’t Really Get That': Caitlin Clark Claims Italian Lineage Didn’t Manifest On Her Looks, Compared To Brothers

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 8:10 AM ET

Before things got chippy in Tuesday night’s Commissioner’s Cup showdown, Caitlin Clark had a heartwarming moment off the court—reconnecting with her roots.

During pregame media, a reporter from Sky Sport Italy asked Caitlin Clark about her heritage. That sparked a smile from the Indiana Fever star, who quickly pointed the reporter in the direction of someone who knows the family tree better than anyone.

“My grandfather’s actually coming tonight, so you can go talk to him,” Clark said with a laugh. “I didn’t really get much of the Italian genes, but my brothers definitely did. They’ve got the darker skin and thick, curly brown hair. Me? Not so much.”

She added that she takes after her English grandmother on her dad’s side more than her Italian mom’s side—but she still has a soft spot for those Italian family memories.

“My great-grandfather had a pub on the south side of Des Moines,” she said. “He was a big Italian guy, always making burgers… just a really good dude.”

Caitlin Clark might say she didn’t inherit the look—but her grit, flair, and fire on the court tell a different story.

Caitlin Clark ecstatic after sinking a jumper in front of her former Big Ten rival

Caitlin Clark ended the night with 20 points, six assists, and two steals in Indiana’s 88–71 win over the Connecticut Sun. But it was her fourth-quarter dagger that had the whole arena buzzing.

With just over three minutes left, Caitlin Clark came off a screen, stepped just inside the logo, and let it fly. Swish. Nothing but net.

As the Sun called timeout, Clark turned and gave Jacy Sheldon a cold stare before hyping up the crowd. It wasn’t just a flex—it felt personal. Earlier in the game, Sheldon had accidentally smacked Caitlin Clark in the face during a defensive play. The two have history from their Big Ten days—Clark at Iowa, Sheldon at Ohio State—and that rivalry clearly still runs deep.

Jun 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon (4) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Whether it’s family pride or competitive fire, Clark brought both to the floor. And on a night that could’ve been remembered just for the physicality, she reminded everyone why she’s one of the most electrifying players in the league.