A Season of Unfamiliar Challenges for Caitlin Clark

For an athlete defined by her consistent presence and on-court dominance, the 2025 WNBA season presented Caitlin Clark with an entirely new kind of opponent: the sideline. After an ironclad career at the University of Iowa and a full rookie season where she never missed a single game, the Indiana Fever star was limited to just 13 appearances in her sophomore year. A series of soft tissue injuries to her lower body forced her off the court, creating a mental battle as tough as any physical one.

Throughout the season, Clark maintained a supportive presence for her teammates, but observers could see the deep desire she had to be out there directing the offense. As the Fever pushed their way to a hard-fought Game 5 in the WNBA Semifinals, Clark’s inability to contribute physically was a visible weight. This was uncharted territory for the young phenom, who had built a reputation on her durability.

A Veteran’s Guiding Voice

In these challenging moments, the value of experienced leadership came to the forefront. Fortunately for Clark, she had a veteran teammate in Sydney Colson who understood exactly what she was going through. Colson was also sidelined with a torn ACL she sustained in August, placing her in a unique position to offer empathy and guidance.

During an appearance on the Good Follow podcast on October 9, Colson revealed the specific advice she shared with Clark to help her navigate the frustration of being injured. Recognizing the mental toll of the situation, Colson made it her mission to help Clark find purpose and growth even when she couldn’t play.

The Message: ‘Don’t Let It Be a Wasted Season’

Colson explained that she saw the experience forcing Clark to adapt in new ways. “Especially when she was injured, you’re having to adjust your mindset, you’re having to get mentally tougher, because she [didn’t] have a bad injury before,” Colson said. “So you’re having to watch your team from the outside.”

To ensure that time wasn’t lost, Colson consistently encouraged Clark to stay engaged and active in her leadership role. “I would be talking to her a lot, ‘Make sure you’re still being vocal. You don’t want to lose this time with your teammates,’” she recounted. “Because you’re injured or sidelined, you’re not still using that opportunity to lead or to grow relationships. Don’t let it be a wasted season because you can’t physically contribute.”

Encouraging a Lighter Side

Beyond strategic leadership, Colson’s advice touched on a more personal aspect of Clark’s development. She noted the emotional rollercoaster of recovery, where Clark would believe she was close to returning only to face another setback. Amid that struggle, Colson saw an opportunity for Clark to connect with her teammates on a different level.

“To see her fun side, that was an important part,” Colson shared. “To see her being jovial, and lighthearted, and having fun with her teammates, I don’t think that was a side people saw a lot last season.” Colson believed that showing this personality was crucial for team chemistry and for Clark’s own well-being. “It was good to see a lighter side of her,” she remarked, adding that she told Clark directly, “‘More of that.’”

This mentorship from a seasoned player like Colson highlights the often-unseen dynamics that shape a team’s culture and a young star’s career. Her wisdom provided Clark with a framework to turn a period of immense frustration into a season of unexpected growth.