Kate Martin didn’t hold back when asked about Caitlin Clark’s recent injury, pointing to what many fans have been quietly saying for weeks — her workload has been relentless.
Speaking after practice on Wednesday, Martin’s tone was both empathetic and frustrated. “She’s been carrying so much for this team, night after night,” Martin said. “You can only do that for so long before your body starts to push back.”
It’s hard to argue with her. Clark’s rookie season has been a whirlwind of pressure, expectations, and highlight reels. She’s been asked to play heavy minutes, initiate the offense, and serve as the face of a franchise still finding its footing in a competitive league. That kind of responsibility isn’t just physical — it’s mental, too. And when you put those together, something eventually has to give.
The injury, while not season-ending, has been a gut punch to fans and a wake-up call to the league. Social media exploded within minutes of the news breaking, with supporters voicing everything from concern to anger. Many echoed Martin’s sentiment that Clark has been doing too much, too soon.
Martin, a teammate and close friend of Clark’s, was quick to defend her star guard while calling for a more balanced approach. “We all want to win. But we’ve got to protect Caitlin, too,” she said. “She’s the engine, but she can’t run on empty forever.”
Her comments could spark a larger conversation about how teams handle young stars, especially those thrust into superstar roles from day one. For now, though, Martin’s focus is on supporting Clark through her recovery and helping the team stay competitive.
“You never want to see a teammate go down,” Martin said. “But if this is what it takes for us to reset and find ways to spread the load, then maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.”
It’s a candid take — and one that may put some pressure on coaches and management to rethink their game plan. Because if Martin’s right, protecting Caitlin Clark isn’t just about winning games. It’s about keeping one of the league’s brightest stars shining for years to come.
