Caitlin Clark, the new queen of basketball, is making a name for herself in the WNBA. Despite her Royal status on the court, her upbringing was far from regal as she hails from humble beginnings in Iowa.

The top pick in this year’s WNBA Draft has exceeded all expectations, recently becoming the first rookie in 16 years to make the All-WNBA first team and being named Rookie of the Year. The 22-year-old had to fight for this honor, proving herself as an immediate superstar despite opposition from her fellow players both on and off the court.

Humble Beginnings

Clark was born to parents Brent and Anne in Des Moines, Iowa, where she spent her childhood and formative years before attending college in her home state. It was here that the family raised their rising star in an impressive $650,000 house built on a small plot in 2001.

It’s no surprise that the four-bedroom home includes a basketball court and plenty of garden space spread around the property. In addition to excelling in basketball, Clark also showed promise in golf, tennis, volleyball, and other sports before deciding to focus on basketball, and her home environment certainly helped nurture that growth.

Interestingly, Clark grew up playing basketball with her older and younger brothers, often competing in an older age group. Her father’s decision to have her play with the boys due to a lack of girls’ leagues in their area proved beneficial in the long run.

Millionaire boyfriend

Clark was still a university student when she began dating fellow basketball player Connor McCaffery in April 2023. However, their relationship wasn’t public knowledge until August of that year.

McCaffery, who also played for the Hawkeyes, was several years ahead of Clark in school.

Caitlin Clark is dating Connor McCaffrey ( 
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(Image: Getty))
McCaffery, now 26, has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million after transitioning into coaching post-graduation, according to Sportskeeda. Following in his father Fran’s footsteps – who has been coaching the Iowa men’s basketball team since 2010 – McCaffery currently serves as an assistant coach for the men’s team at Butler University.

Before this, the 6’5″ star spent a year with the Indiana Pacers after accepting an entry-level position with the NBA franchise. He hasn’t strayed far by joining the Dawgs, considering Butler is also based in Indianapolis, where Clark plays for the Fever.

Parents’ worries

Clark admits coping with the glam and glare of stardom isn’t a cakewalk as she adjusts to the pro game. Detractors and fellow players have cast aspersions, questioning her rightful place in the high beams of fame. Furthermore, Clark has been the focal point of several on-court incidents, with rivals seemingly singling her out for rough play away from the ball.

Caitlin stands firm, insisting her eye is squarely on the hoop; nevertheless, her folks are rattled about their kid’s security and happiness.

“They see all this stuff, too. You have to remember, we’re regular people with feelings,” she divulged to the Washington Post. “My parents have feelings. It can definitely be hard at times.”

And she elaborated: “I think it’s hard for people to remember, I just love playing basketball. This is my job. This is what I’m here for. I’m not here for all the other stuff. “.