From New Brunswick to Indiana: Young hoopster connects with Caitlin Clark
Jemma Smearer and her mom, Britanny Godin, attend an Indiana Fever game in Indianapolis in May 2025. (Gainbridge Fieldhouse/Facebook)
It was the trip of a lifetime and a brush with fame for a 12-year-old girl from Bathurst, N.B.
Brittany Godin and her daughter Jemma Smearer travelled to Indianapolis last week to watch basketball superstar Caitlin Clark.
Clark, a guard with the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association, is widely considered one of the most popular athletes in North America right now.
She's also Jemma's idol.
Brittany said the atmosphere inside the sold-out arena for the season opener vs. Chicago was something she had never experienced before.
'The energy was absolutely insane,' said Brittany.
Jemma idolizes Clark so they decided to show up three hours before tip-off to try and get her autograph.
They held up a sign that read: 'I just turned 12 & travelled 1,500 miles from NB to watch you play.'
It paid off.
'It was a great experience,' said Jemma. 'I really liked when Caitlin signed my jersey. It was awesome.'
A basketball player herself, Jemma respects Clark's poise and confidence.
'I really love her game. I really love how she's not afraid to take a shot,' said Jemma.
Her mother believes the two have similar qualities on and off the court.
'They're feisty and really not afraid to kind of dig in there,' said Brittany.
Jemma was also able to grab autographs from some of the other players and they explored the city the day before the game.
Jemma even got to shoot some hoops at a museum and outside the stadium.
Her love of the sport runs deep for her young age.
'I really like playing with my teammates and just practising and getting better every day,' said Jemma.
They couldn't go anywhere without seeing advertisements and signs for Clark and her Fever teammates.
'Indiana Fever everywhere,' said Brittany.
Brittany believes seeing Clark in the international spotlight is inspiring a whole generation of young female athletes.
'For me, sports has always been a huge part of my life. Growing up I looked up to people like Mia Hamm, who played soccer,' said Brittany.
What Clark has done for women's sports is beyond anything she could have ever hoped for.
'I really hope it's for the long haul,' said Brittany. 'People all over the world are watching Caitlin Clark.'
Clark finished the game with a game-high 20 points in a 98-53 victory over the Chicago Sky.
For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
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