Caitlin Clark has never hidden her goal. She wants to lead the Indiana Fever to the championship. Every game has brought her one step closer to that dream, which has seemingly grown far bigger than herself.

Last season, she sat out the playoffs due to a groin injury. She could only watch as the Fever fell short in the semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces.

Now, with a championship within reach again, plus a healthy physique, Clark is ready to chase the golden prize that has eluded the Fever since 2012. They will battle the Aces in the first round of the playoffs.

But for the 24-year-old guard, basketball is bigger than a shiny trophy, as reported by The Athletic's Brian Hamilton.

“It kind of goes into how I want to be remembered. Don’t get me wrong, I want to win championships and I want to be the best player in the world. That's why I work the way I do and believe the way I do. I believe that I can do that and I believe that this team can do that,” said the three-time All-Star.

“But at the same time, (I want) to give joy to others. If I end up hanging it up and I never win a championship, hopefully, the impact and the effect I left on people is what I'm remembered for.”

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Clark has already altered the course of the WNBA since arriving in 2024. Her popularity, talent, and charm have helped bring the league to new heights.

She is deeply aware of her influence. She has often talked about wanting to be a role model for young girls. While she has admitted that she can be temperamental because of her competitiveness, everything is tied to her passion for basketball.

After all, basketball is a great equalizer.

“There aren't many things that bring people together and unite people. I think the way I play, and the joy people can have with one another watching me play my game—it's one of the coolest things that I've been able to witness,” added Clark.