Caitlin Clark is ready to lend a helping hand to JuJu Watkins.LAPRESSE
Beyond the highlights and headlines, Caitlin Clark’s off-the-court gestures are making waves, especially with the next generation of basketball stars. And when USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb witnessed one of these heartwarming moments firsthand, she knew she had to share the story.
Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA has been nothing short of a whirlwind, with the former NCAA phenom continuing to shatter viewership records and capture the hearts of fans across the country. However, when it comes to helping his younger colleagues, Clark remains as approachable as he was in his pre-fame days.
It all started when Clark, fresh off interviews and visibly tired after practice, still took the time to connect with Gottlieb and her young son during a visit to USC’s Galen Center.
That small but genuine interaction left a lasting impression on the coach. “I was so blown away by her,” Gottlieb revealed. “Even after all that, Caitlin made time to talk to us, and it wasn’t just for show. It was real.”
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Caitlin is aware of her duty to the next generation
But that wasn’t the end of it. With JuJu Watkins, USC’s rising star, following closely in Clark’s footsteps, Gottlieb had a unique request: she wanted Clark’s guidance on how to help JuJu navigate the growing attention and pressure. Clark didn’t hesitate.
In a touching move, she took Gottlieb’s phone, handed over her number, and offered her full support. “Reach out, call me, and let me know how I can help,” Clark said, embodying her role as both a role model and mentor to the next generation.
Gottlieb couldn’t help but admire Clark’s grace and generosity, especially given the Fever rookie’s hectic schedule. “Caitlin’s had that intense spotlight for a year and a half, but JuJu will have it for three years. I wanted to make sure we were doing everything right to support her,” Gottlieb explained.
While both players are different in style, their star power and magnetism are undeniable. Gottlieb sees it as her job to ensure JuJu can step into her greatness, but do it safely and wisely.
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Caitlin started something great
Caitlin’s willingness to pay it forward is a testament to her character, but Gottlieb knows the WNBA’s future doesn’t rest on just one player. “Caitlin’s phenomenal, right? She has this captivating nature like Steph Curry, but she’s not the first or only exciting player,” Gottlieb emphasized.
With players like JuJu Watkins and many others coming up, women’s basketball is on the cusp of something much bigger. Gottlieb believes the key to this growth lies in continued exposure and investment.
“We need to keep putting these young women on TV during prime time, keep marketing them. Caitlin’s set something in motion, but there’s so much more talent ready to propel the movement forward,” she told ON3.
With stars like Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins leading the charge, women’s basketball is primed for a new era-one fueled by talent, heart, and a collective push to elevate the game. The torch has been passed, and the future looks brighter than ever.
