Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s brightest star, kicked off 2025 with a captivating appearance on the New Heights podcast, hosted by NFL brothers Jason and Travis Kelce. As the NCAA’s all-time Division I scoring leader, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, and Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year, Clark brought her signature humility and wit to an hour-long conversation that ranged from her record-breaking career to her bold takes on basketball’s future. With 2.7 million viewers tuning into her recent WNBA game, Clark’s influence is undeniable, and this interview offered a rare glimpse into the mindset of a generational talent.

The Kelce brothers set the tone with humor, marveling at Clark’s extensive accolades—over 40 records in her senior year at Iowa and 62 in her WNBA rookie season, necessitating a separate Wikipedia page. Clark, ever modest, deflected praise, crediting her achievements to hard work and fun. “You don’t really care [about accolades],” she said. “It comes with having fun.” Her proudest moment? Being named an Academic All-American, a nod to her mother’s emphasis on education, highlighting Clark’s grounded upbringing in Des Moines, Iowa.

Clark’s Time Athlete of the Year honor, shared with icons like LeBron James, stood out as a “cool” milestone, not just for her but for women’s sports. “As a woman, they haven’t had many females on the cover,” she noted, emphasizing its significance amid the WNBA’s surge in viewership and packed arenas, largely driven by her presence. Her humility shone through as she framed her success as part of a broader movement, a theme echoed in her prior comments about elevating teammates like Aliyah Boston, who mentored her during her rookie season.

The conversation took a lively turn as Clark revealed her lifelong fandom for the Kansas City Chiefs, rooted in her Midwest heritage. She recounted attending games as a child, braving freezing temperatures, and idolizing Tony Gonzalez. “People think I’m a bandwagon Chiefs fan,” she laughed, insisting her loyalty predates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Travis extended an invite to a playoff game, cementing her status as an honorary “Chiefs Kingdom” member, a moment that resonated with fans on X, who praised her authenticity.

Clark’s basketball journey provided compelling insights. She shared a jaw-dropping anecdote about receiving her first college recruiting letter in seventh grade, playing against high schoolers. Her parents shielded her from the pressure, ensuring she enjoyed middle school. “They wanted me to hang out with friends, not worry about college,” she said, reflecting a maturity beyond her 22 years. This grounding helped her navigate her WNBA transition, where veterans like Erica Wheeler eased her into a high-expectation environment. “You’re trying to find your feet wet but also not do too much,” Clark explained, crediting her teammates for her seamless adjustment.

The interview’s boldest moment came when Clark tackled the NBA’s declining ratings. She attributed it to fans misunderstanding the league’s elite skill level, which can make players appear less intense. “They’re trying; they’re just so good,” she said. Clark noted the game’s evolution—less physical than in Michael Jordan’s era, with a focus on three-point shooting—may not resonate with all fans. Her solution? A four-point line to spice things up, a playful idea the Kelces embraced. She also criticized the NBA’s in-season tournament and neon-colored courts, quipping, “Can we just play basketball?” Her East vs. West All-Star Game proposal further showcased her knack for engaging fans, aligning with her role in boosting WNBA viewership.

Clark’s humor surfaced in a golf anecdote, where she admitted to topping a shot and accidentally hitting a woman, leaving a “black welt.” Her competitiveness, evident in her frustration with golf’s individual nature, mirrored her basketball drive. Looking ahead, Clark, a marketing major, envisioned a future in sports operations, perhaps in a front office, leveraging her passion to grow the game.

The interview underscored why Clark is a cultural force. Her authenticity, gratitude, and vision—whether mentoring youth or reimagining basketball—point to a legacy beyond the court. Fans can watch the full New Heights episode to see why Clark remains the sport’s most compelling figure, driving record ratings and inspiring a new generation.