Caitlin Clark out for the season, fans still all in to support

INDIANAPOLIS — Sunlight glimmered off of “22” jerseys in nearly every direction Friday night. 

Many of the cheering fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse were there to see star-player Caitlin Clark, who announced Thursday that she’d be out the rest of the season..

Friday’s win against the Chicago Sky moved the team one step closer to a playoff run. While fans stay hopeful for that outcome, they’re even more hopeful to see Clark fully recovered.

“She’s done so much for us already, we’re just happy to be here,” fan Roni Hendrick said.

It’s been a tough second season for the star player. Injuries have taken her out of several games. She’s been out since July after hurting her right groin.

”I definitely cried the day that they announced she got injured,” fan Chelsea Harper said. 

While many fans saw Thursday’s news coming, it doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. 

“We kind of figured that she was going to be out just based on the nature of her injury, but we still want to support the Fever,” fan Lauren Knight said. 

Fans flocked to the Hoosier state from all over to see the Fever in action. Georgia, Alabama, Wisconsin and Texas were just a few of the home states represented at Gainbridge.

Keri Molina flew all the way from Germany. 

“Caitlin brought me to watching the WNBA, but I fell in love with the rest of the team,” she said. 

Even with Clark out, fans are hopeful for a back-to-back playoff appearance. Whether that’s in the cards or not, fans said she’s done more than they could ever ask.

“You see little girls running around with Caitlin Clark T-shirts and I think it gives everyone hope there’s more for women’s sports,” fan Kim Treadwell said. 

From Indy to Washington, Hoosiers at heart will be hopeful for a win against the Washington Mystics on Sunday. Many are already looking forward to next season when they hope to see Clark back in action.

“Recover, get stronger because we’ll all be here next year,” Henrick said. “Keep it rolling.”