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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"Social media is just such a false perception of reality" - Caitlin Clark shares the secrets to staying grounded in the era of social media and fame
"Social media is just such a false perception of reality" - Caitlin Clark shares the secrets to staying grounded in the era of social media and fame originally appeared on Basketball Network. In a sports world heavily influenced by social media, professional athletes can easily get lost in what's real and what's not. With people having access to platforms where they can share their thoughts on various sports leagues, including the WNBA, players must find a way to stay grounded and not be affected by the noise. One superstar who has had to navigate this daily since her rise to stardom in the NCAA while playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes is Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. As immensely popular as she has been, especially since she entered the pros, she has been a lightning rod for both praise and criticism. In an interview on the "A Touch More" podcast with WNBA legend Sue Bird and women's football icon Megan Rapinoe, she reflected on what inspires her to keep going, even in the face of sharp criticism from pundits and, occasionally, her own peers. A false reality Social media is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, anyone can get in touch with anyone else in the world and, with a few taps on a smartphone or a keyboard, offer their thoughts and opinions to an audience. On the other hand, people feel empowered to say things they may not have the courage or opportunity to say in person; at times, these things can be hurtful or damaging to others. For Caitlin, this has become an all-too-familiar aspect of her life. With her stature as the most popular woman hooper in the world who has helped elevate the WNBA to new heights since joining the league last year, she receives both praise and criticism on a daily basis. While the praise gives her motivation and drive to continue excelling on the court, the criticism can be taxing. However, she never dwells on such things, reminding herself that the social media world is just that — another world. "You have to remember, like, social media is just such a false perception of reality," Caitlin surmised. "And even for myself, you don't always realize that at times, that it's not the real world." The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year said what helps keep her feet firmly on the ground is what she sees before her when she arrives at the arena. "When you're in a position where people are going to love you and people aren't going to like you, showing up to arenas really reminds me how many people are actually there supporting and loving you," Caitlin shared. "Like, the little boys and little girls — those aren't the people on social media caring about every decision you make or every comment you post." Caitlin tries to be as authentic as possible By now, Caitlin has gotten used to all the attention she receives in the real and digital world. She understands that in this day and age, everyone has a platform to shout their opinions, whether good or bad. But she chooses to focus on the positive and stay true to herself. "I just try to show up every single day and be myself. I approach it that way — just being authentically me," she humbly declared. "Whether that means answering hard questions or facing hard moments, I just try to take it as it goes." Above all, she understands the significance of the position she's earned — a role she has tirelessly worked for, and one that many women in basketball aspire to achieve. "I always try to remind myself how lucky I am to be here and to be in this position. There are so many people who would kill to be in my shoes," Caitlin expressed. "Yeah, there are going to be hard moments. But at the same time, there have been a lot of really good moments, too. So, that's what I try to remind myself, honestly." This season has been a mixed bag for Caitlin as she has endured numerous injuries, including a hamstring strain that kept her out of the WNBA All-Star Game last Saturday. However, with the Fever's stretch run starting on Tuesday, she's determined to push through and help her team improve on their first-round exit last story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"A lot of people don't realize like how goofy I actually am" - Caitlin Clark opens up about her off-court personality
"A lot of people don't realize like how goofy I actually am" - Caitlin Clark opens up about her off-court personality originally appeared on Basketball Network. Like the persona of the man whose signature sneakers she proudly wears, Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark is a competitor of the highest order. Like the late great Kobe Bryant, she is a relentless opponent who will stop at nothing to give her team the victory. From talking smack with her opponents to having intense conversations with game officials to making sure her teammates are in the trenches with her, Caitlin is as fierce a competitor as they come. But what many people don't see is her playful and goofy side. In a recent interview with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, she spoke about how playful she is with everyone around her, ensuring the vibe remains light despite their pursuit of the WNBA title. A goofball at heart When pundits, teammates, or even other WNBA players talk about Caitlin, the first thing they often highlight is her intense, almost stubborn, competitive spirit. Something she put on display beginning in high school when she attended Dowling in her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, where she willed the Hawkeyes to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA national championship game. However, behind the scenes, she claimed she is a goofball at heart and loves bringing humor and playfulness into her daily life. "I feel like a lot of people don't realize like how goofy I actually am," Caitlin declared to the hosts and the live audience. "I think like a lot of my teammates would say that. Like, even like Steph White was saying this the other day. Like people don't realize, like I'm just like comedic relief in the locker room," she continued. There are countless stories of how unintentionally funny the sports megastar can be. From almost burning their dorm down when she tried to cook mac and cheese without any water to oversleeping on the bus with her collegiate teammate and best friend, Kate Martin, Caitlin brings laughter to any room she's in. It's also something Sue attested to, saying, "Oh, no. You got jokes in the group chat." "I'm like sometimes I'm like this MF is a troll," Bird added with a massive smile on her face. Not everyone gets to see this side of Caitlin CC admitted that the general audience rarely gets to witness this side of her, as more attention is paid to her killer competitive spirit. "Once I step on the court, like I'm super fiery and like I want to I want to kill," she admitted. "But every moment other than that, it's like it's not serious. Like, I just have fun. I have a good time." However, after winning the Commissioner's Cup earlier this month, many saw how raucous Caitlin could get during the Fever's postgame celebration. The highlight, of course, was when she used the trophy to serve alcohol to all her teammates. Caitlin, though, understands how some people might find it hard to reconcile her two sides, especially when they mostly see her regularly making fools out of opposing defenders and hitting long balls in their faces. "I feel like that's hard for people to understand. And you know it should be because they only watch us for a couple hours a week," she explained. "Like you only see what we're doing on TV, like doing our job, and you don't see what we do with the rest of our hours of our lives. So I think that's sometimes hard for people to understand." Clark might seem like a basketball goddess descended from Mount Olympus to dominate the WNBA, but off the court, she's just a down-to-earth 23-year-old. She enjoys spending time with her teammates, sharing laughs and embracing the simple joys of story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The StudBudz WNBA livestream had everything from Megan Rapinoe talking strap-ons to dissing Diplo
The WNBA has been gaining popularity every day, but the All Stars weekend might go down in history as the most viral moment the league has ever had, thanks to the StudBudz , now-infamous livestream. It was wild, chaotic, and extremely sapphic. There were dozens of viral moments that came out of the 72-hour-long livestream, but one that fans will likely never forget featured legendary sports couple Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird talking about strapping. Bet you didn't think you'd see that on your 2025 bingo card. WNBA players from teams across the country gather in Indianapolis for the All-Star Game, Skills Challenge, and 3-point contest, and while the talent on display was impressive, fans we're also glued to a 72-hour-straight livestream by the StudBudz, a Twitch channel hosted by Lynx teammates, besties, and certified studs Courtney Williams and Natisha 'T' Heideman. Not only did the livestream confirm some women's basketball dating conspiracy theories, but while Rapinoe and Bird were at the All-Stars weekend to film a live show for their sports podcast, A Touch More, they had a very lesbian moment with the StudBudz that has since gone viral. 'We have to address the best moment on StudBudz. Never? Never strapped,' Rapinoe asked Williams. This allstar has been quite the ki💀 #studbudz #courtneywilliams #meganrapinoe #suebird #natishahiedeman #wnbaallstar #wnba Williams looked confused because she couldn't remember the moment in the 3 days' worth of livestreams where she admitted to never having worn a strap-on. 'She lied,' Heidman said. 'I don't remember that, I be saying whatever. I've been on here too long,' Williams said while laughing. Does the NBA ever offer you iconic moments like this? Of course not. Just one more reason to tune into women's sports! Shockingly, watching four sports stars talking about wearing straps wasn't the only eye-popping clip that surfaced from the livestream. There are so many more! Courtney tells Diplo to play better music The Daily W (@thedailywsports) on Threads Courtney Williams, who didn't seem to have any idea who Diplo is, asked the famous DJ to play better music and he did! Iconic behavior. The commissioner dancing to 'Knuck If You Buck' Stud Budz stream is going down in herstory 😭 #wnba #studbudz #basketball Not in a million years would we have guessed that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert would dance with the StudBudz to Crime Mob's 'Knuck If You Buck.' And yes, that is queer TikToker Coach Jackie in the background having a blast watching this all go down. This moment has launched several hilarious memes. Paige Bueckers singing 'Love' by Keyshia Cole legs tired arms tired head tired but the stream keep goin studs in the chat #studbudz During All-Stars weekend, not only did Paige Bueckers officially announce that Azzi Fudd is her girlfriend (as if there was ever any doubt!), but she also was caught on the livestream singing her heart out with her fellow players to 'Love' by Keyshia Cole. Singing 'Pink Pony Club' every chance they got Pink Pony Studz StudBudz x Chappell Roan #studbudz #chappellroan #72hourstream #allstarweekend #natishahiedeman #courtneywilliams #pinkponystud The neon-pink-haired StudBudz saan and danced to Chappell Roan's 'Pink Pony Club' every chance they got over the course of the weekend. They sang it at the top of their lungs in their hotel room, and on the plane on their way home. Flirting with Angel Reese Angel Reese in the building looking fine as hell 🙂↔️ tune into @studbudz live on @Twitch for all the behind-the-scenes action at @WNBA All-Star Weekend! #natishahiedeman #courtneywilliams #studbudz #wnbaallstar #allstar #streamer #angelreese This red carpet moment might have you blushing as Angel Reese appears to flirt with the StudBudz before Williams says, 'Angel better stop playing with us, know she looking fine as hell right now.' We can't wait until next year's All-Stars weekend! This article originally appeared on Pride: The StudBudz WNBA livestream had everything from Megan Rapinoe talking strap-ons to dissing Diplo RELATED Why the WNBA power couple NaLyssa Smith & DiJonai Carrington news has lesbians spiraling From elephants to purple aliens, ranking the WNBA mascots by how Sapphic they are College basketball star Sedona Prince goes undrafted; here's why WNBA fans are celebrating
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WNBA Legend Sue Bird's Jaw-Dropping Swimsuit Photo
WNBA Legend Sue Bird's Jaw-Dropping Swimsuit Photo originally appeared on The Spun. The WNBA had its best on display in Indianapolis this weekend. The league held its annual All-Star skills night on Friday evening, followed by the All-Star Game on Saturday night. Indianapolis, Indiana hosted the events this year. While Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark wasn't able to compete in the 3-Point Contest or the All-Star Game due to a lingering injury, it was still a fun weekend for everyone involved. Sue Bird has competed in several WNBA All-Star Games over the years. The former Seattle Storm star, who retired a couple of years ago, is one of the best guards in the history of the game. She's also made headlines off of the court. Bird has been featured in the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. She posed for a jaw-dropping swimsuit photo for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue a couple of years ago. It made sure to go viral on social media. "Sue Bird is a legend on and off the court. Posing in front of the bright blue waters in St. Thomas, Bird's SI Swimsuit debut in 2022 was unforgettable," Sports Illustrated Swimsuit wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. We've seen some notable women's basketball players posing for the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, including Skylar Diggins and Angel Reese, among others. Who do you want to see posing in 2026? WNBA Legend Sue Bird's Jaw-Dropping Swimsuit Photo first appeared on The Spun on Jul 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Storm's Skylar Diggins shatters Sue Bird's record in wild All-Star Game shootout
The post Storm's Skylar Diggins shatters Sue Bird's record in wild All-Star Game shootout appeared first on ClutchPoints. Seattle Storm star Skylar Diggins made remarkable history in Saturday's WNBA All-Star Game between Team Collier and Team Clark. In 21 minutes of action, Diggins finished with a stat line of 11 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds. She shot 4-of-8 from the field, including 1-of-5 from beyond the arc, and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. Her remarkable playmaking throughout the game had her make history for the record books. She surpassed Sue Bird for the most assists a player had in a WNBA All-Star game. What's next for Skylar Diggins, Storm Skylar Diggins was active with passing the ball as she helped Team Collier cruise to a 151-131 blowout victory over Team Clark. Caitlin Clark was unable to lead her squad as she was on the sidelines due to injury. As a result, Team Collier had a big advantage over their opponents. They demonstrated that with their display in the first quarter, outscoring Team Clark 49-36. They expanded their lead to 82-60 at halftime, keeping up their momentum to pull off the rout. Shot efficiency and free throws made the difference in what was an offensive battle. Team Collier excelled in these stats, converting 54.8% of their total shot attempts, including 37.5% from three. It wasn't the same for Team Clark, who made 48.6% of their overall shots, including 29.7% of their chances from deep. Seven players scored in double-digits on the winners' side, including Smith. Napheesa Collier finished with a stat line of 36 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and a steal. She shot 13-of-16 from the field, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Allisha Gray came next with 18 points and two assists on 5-0f-12 shooting from downtown, Nneka Ogwumike had 16 points and seven rebounds, while Kelsey Plum had 16 points and five rebounds. Diggins will now return to business with the Storm. They boast a 14-9 record on the season, holding the third spot of the Western Conference standings. They are 1.5 games behind the Phoenix Mercury and 5.5 games behind the Minnesota Lynx. When the WNBA All-Star break ends, the Storm will prepare for their next matchup, being at home. They host the Dallas Wings on July 22 at 10 p.m. ET. Related: Storm's Skylar Diggins, Lynx's Courtney Williams exchange trash talk before WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge Related: Storm's Gabby Williams makes bold WNBA, Unrivaled claim after CBA talks
