“I want everyone around me to win,” Erica Wheeler said regarding her teammate Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark #22 and Erica Wheeler #17 of the Indiana Fever pose for photographers during media day activities at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 1, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana
All eyes are on Caitlin Clark as fans eagerly await her WNBA debut with the Indiana Fever, and one veteran on the team is ready to welcome her with open arms and assistance — even if it means losing her starting spot.

Erica Wheeler, who plays the same starting point guard position as Clark, recently explained that despite the number one overall draft pick coming to her team, she doesn’t see it as competition and wants to make sure Clark feels right at home.

Erica Wheeler #17 of the Indiana Fever talks to reporters during media day activities at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 1, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana
“It’s how I was raised, I don’t have no hate in my heart,” Wheeler said, according to USA Today. “I want everybody around me to win. Whether you are winning or not, I still want to push you to be great.”

“So, for me, I just thought, like, if I get ahead of it, I’m just making it comfortable right away. I actually love it because I like being a big sister. I like helping first. So, it’s refreshing for me to be able to help her and be her big sister,” Wheeler added.