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How ‘two-day story’ thinking has guided Caitlin Clark through intense spotlight
Caitlin Clark says advice from her former Iowa coach, Lisa Bluder, has helped her handle the intense attention and changing opinions that come with being a high-profile athlete. Bluder’s “two-day story” mantra reminds Clark that praise and criticism can quickly shift, while “be where your feet are” encourages her to stay present and learn from each experience.
Clark also praised Bluder for treating every player with equal respect, regardless of their role. Bluder coached her from 2020 to 2024, as Iowa’s rivalry with LSU helped raise the profile of women’s college basketball; Clark was drafted first overall in 2024 and named WNBA Rookie of the Year. The comments came at an event in New York celebrating Clark’s new multiyear partnerships with Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker, the first individual athlete deals for either brand.
In short
- Clark uses Bluder’s “two-day story” mantra to manage praise and criticism.
- She says her former coach taught her to value every teammate equally.
- The comments came as Clark announced new deals with two retailers.
Explained simply
Caitlin Clark is an American basketball player who rose to national prominence at the University of Iowa, where she played from 2020 to 2024. Her coach, Lisa Bluder, led the team during a period when women’s college basketball drew wider attention, including through high-profile games against Louisiana State University.
After leaving Iowa, Clark was selected first in the 2024 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft and named the league’s Rookie of the Year. A prominent athlete can face intense public scrutiny as well as commercial opportunities, making the advice of coaches and other mentors part of the discussion about how players manage life in the spotlight.