Cori Close defends Caitlin Clark from haters and invites people to change their perspective on her growing attentionLAPRESSE

Even during her time with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Caitlin Clark was already attracting attention and breaking several college records.

Since being selected by the Indiana Fever with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, the 23-year-old guard has stolen even more of the spotlight, attracting new fans to the sport, but also detractors. Now, UCLA coach Cori Close has sent a strong message about it.

Cori Close defends Caitlin Clark from haters and invites people to change their perspective on her growing attention: “Her Charisma Is Infectious”

Angel Reese challenges what people thought about an athlete’s diet

Close defends Clark from the haters

The Fever star’s impact on the league is undeniable, and her rapid rise has generated all kinds of reactions and opinions among critics and fans.

During her recent appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” the host asked the UCLA coach about some fans’ resistance to the effect Clark has had on the WNBA. Cori responded by pointing out that it wasn’t just CC’s talent that led to her increased popularity, but also her charisma and personality:

“I actually had the opportunity to coach Caitlin Clark in USA basketball,” Close said. “Even back then, she had a charisma about her that was infectious to everyone she came in contact with.”

In addition, as another example of players who elevate the sport with their play, Close mentioned Juju Watkins: “Even though I coach at UCLA, I can appreciate the impact of what’s happening with Juju at USC,” she began.

“I think that you have to have a broader view of growing the game if you are really going to appreciate it. The reality is, Caitlin Clark has risen to a level of fanbase that has broadened it and deepened it, and we are all benefitting from that,” she said.

Although there are people who support Clark and others who do not, the 54-year-old coach assured that there is no such thing as “bad publicity” and that they should take advantage of the attention received to continue promoting the growth of the sport:

“Some of the tensions that have gone back and forth, I am like, great! Bring it on. Let’s build each other up and I think there is no such thing in that case, of there is no bad publicity or exposure,” she added.

Meanwhile, these comments come after the 23-year-old guard ended her second year in the WNBA and with the Fever in an unexpected way. Quadriceps, ankle, and groin injuries limited Clark, who still averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.6 steals in the only 13 games she was able to play. Although the team reached the Playoff Semifinals without her and five other teammates, they were eliminated by the Las Vegas Aces.

Now, she is preparing for her third year in the WNBA and with the Fever, as she is one of three players, along with Aliyah Boston and Makayla Timpson, who have contracts with Indiana.