Indiana Fever's Player Development Coach, Keith Porter, has opened up about his experience working with Caitlin Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, praising her grounded personality despite her global basketball fame.
Porter, who joined the Fever last month, reunited with head coach Stephanie White, continuing their partnership from the Connecticut Sun last season. White was appointed as the Fever’s head coach late last year.
With the new WNBA season set to tip off in May, Porter has been collaborating closely with Clark over the past month. In a recent interview with Rachel DeMita, he revealed his plans for Clark's development and shared his impressions of the 22-year-old superstar.
"An Even Better Person": Porter on Clark’s Character
When asked if anything about Clark surprised him, Porter shared a consistent response.
"The first thing I tell everybody, which is super cool about her, is being so young but also being so mature," Porter told DeMita. "It's the weirdest thing because [you] almost forget who she is because of how relaxed and reserved she is as a person.
"Until you go somewhere, it's like 'the entire world wants to see you,' but she's just a hooper. She's so down to earth and chill, just an awesome person. She's a world-class athlete but an even better person I've seen in this one month of being with her."
Caitlin Clark on Stephanie White’s Influence
Before Stephanie White returned to the Fever—a team she previously coached from 2015 to 2016—Clark reflected on her relationship with the coach. White had called many of Clark’s college games, offering support and insight throughout her career.
"She's obviously called a lot of my games all throughout college, and I think she has a really great basketball mind," Clark shared.
"I think she's done a great job calling college games. It's been great to see her on NBA games. I think what she's done is just, she obviously has been a trailblazer, honestly. I think she's somebody who's been supportive of my game, and it's been fun to talk to her at shootarounds throughout my college career and has always been really supportive."
Clark expressed her excitement about facing White in her professional career, saying, "Yeah, so I think the biggest thing is it's fun going up against her here now for my first time after her calling a lot of my games. Now I get to play against her, so that's going to be a lot of fun for the both of us."
Looking Ahead
With Porter’s expertise and White’s leadership, the Indiana Fever are poised for a promising season. As Caitlin Clark continues to grow both on and off the court, her humility and maturity remain a testament to her character, setting her apart as not just a basketball superstar but an inspiration.