Purdue Coach Matt Painter Discusses Caitlin Clark’s Impact as the 2025 WNBA Season Begins
As the 2025 WNBA season kicked off this weekend, Purdue coach Matt Painter shared his thoughts on the growing influence of Caitlin Clark in the league. In a video released by Big Ten Network, Painter, who is based in Indiana, discussed how Clark’s presence with the Indiana Fever is energizing both the state and the league.
When asked about what impresses him most about the WNBA, Painter highlighted the league’s “shot-making ability” and went on to speak specifically about Clark’s impact, particularly with her playing just down the road in Indianapolis.
“I’m in Indiana, and obviously Caitlin Clark is here,” Painter said. “All the enthusiasm and attention she’s brought to women’s basketball has been really cool to see.”
Our #B1GMBBall coaches are fans of The W. 👏
The @WNBA season tips off Friday. 🏀 pic.twitter.com/aTqJw1V33X
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) May 16, 2025
The video, filmed during Big Ten Basketball Media Days in October 2024, also pointed out that Purdue has a link to the Fever, with former Boilermaker star Stephanie White now coaching Indiana, aiming to lead the franchise to its second WNBA title.
Clark, who played for Iowa for four years before entering the WNBA in 2024, is a familiar name to Big Ten coaches. Her season got off to a stellar start on Saturday, as she led the Fever to a 93-58 win over the Chicago Sky in the season opener. Clark posted a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in front of a sellout crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
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