National Anthem For Fever-Valkyries Game is Turning Heads
After missing another five straight games due to a groin injury, Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark finally made her return.
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On Wednesday, Caitlin Clark and the Fever continued their five-game homestand by hosting her close friend Kate Martin and the Golden State Valkyries for the first time.
The Fever vs. Valkyries game, along with several other WNBA matchups this week, tipped off at noon ET as part of the league's 'Camp Day,' or "Kids Day," initiative, which gives summer camps and youth organizations the chance to attend a game during the day.
Ten-year-old Sophia Hope had a bit more to talk about than most kids at the Fever vs. Valkyries game. Before tipoff, the Chicago native performed her rendition of the 'Star-Spangled Banner' in front of the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It was nothing new for Hope, who has sung the anthem multiple times for Chicago-based teams.
"10-year-old Sophia Hope performed the National Anthem ahead of today's Kids Day game," the Indiana Fever wrote on X.
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WNBA fans were impressed with Hope's national anthem performance, taking to social media to leave their thoughts.
"🎼🎼🎤Beautiful girl and voice," one fan said.
"Many kids are actually better then grown singers," added another.
"What a beautiful job Sophie! Thoroughly impressed!" wrote a third.
"AMERICAS TEAM," wrote a fourth.
"Beautiful," posted a fifth.
"Amazing job!! 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲," added a sixth.
The Indiana Fever listen to the National Anthem before a gameGrace Smith/USA Today Network via Imagn Images
In their recent stretch without Clark, the Fever became relatively inconsistent. They defeated the first-placed Minnesota Lynx in the Commissioner's Cup championship, but fell to the 6-13 Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday.
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Up next for Indiana, a battle with Rhyne Howard and the Atlanta Dream on Friday.
Related: Indiana Fever Make Big Roster Change Upon Caitlin Clark's Return
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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