Caitlin Clark has recently encountered a series of significant events, yet a particular memory from her youth remains unforgettable.

At the age of 12, while attending a Minnesota Lynx match, Clark embraced her idol, Maya Moore, the former top pick in the WNBA, on the court after the game. This moment has left a lasting impression on the rookie of the Indiana Fever, who is set to make her professional debut this month.
“Ten seconds can go a long way in somebody’s life,” Clark recently said, according to USA Today. “That’s a good lesson whether you play sports or don’t play sports, how you treat somebody matters.”

Caitlin Clark Selected First Overall by Indiana Fever During 2024 WNBA Draft
Caitlin Clark is preparing to make her WNBA debut in May 2024.AP

Minnesota Lynx forward Maya Moore (right) battles for the ball in a WNBA. game in 2012.AP

The now-22-year-old Clark is looking to emulate Moore — a four-time WNBA champion and former league MVP — both on and off the court, as her dominance at the collegiate level has continued to usher in new audiences and younger fans.

 

“I just try to take as much time as I can for those young girls because Maya was so nice to me when I ran up to her, and that’s something that’s stuck with me all the way until I’m 22 years old,” she said.

Clark, picked as the top choice by the Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft just last month, had a heartwarming encounter with Moore, aged 34, in early March, shortly before she achieved the title of the NCAA’s highest scorer ever during an Iowa victory against Ohio State.

Maya Moore and Caitlin Clark reunited in March 2024.
Maya Moore and Caitlin Clark crossed paths again in March 2024.
ESPN’s “College Gameday” caught Clark’s response to Moore, as the former Hawkeye reminisced about their previous meeting.
“I still feel like I was this tall and freaking out and I ran across the court and gave you a hug,” the 6-foot guard told Moore.

Caitlin Clark | Biography, Stats, Height, Record, & Facts | Britannica

Moore told USA Today “it’s humbling and encouraging to know I had a part in helping Caitlin continue that spirit of being good to people.”
Caitlin Clark during Iowa’s national championship game against South Carolina in April 2024.

Maya Moore was originally drafted by the Lynx first overall in 2011.
Maya Moore was originally drafted by the Lynx first overall in 2011.AP
“It’s super sweet to know that the time you take with the people who love watching you play matters and means something,” the six-time WNBA All-Star said to USA Today.

“It’s not necessarily about performing a certain way but being as genuine as I can, because that’s what people need.

“… It’s another reminder that we all have a role to play, and all have the ability to influence someone.”

Moore was originally drafted by the Lynx in 2011 and played through the 2018 season.

She stepped away from the game in 2019 to focus on family life and ministry dreams, as detailed in a personal essay in “The Players’ Tribune.”

Moore’s break continued as she focused on social justice advocacy before retiring in 2023.

Clark and the Fever open the season against the Connecticut Sun on May 14.