Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark may be sidelined with a season-ending injury, but that hasn’t stopped her from making a powerful impact—both on and off the court. On September 28, 2025, Clark was spotted courtside before the Fever’s pivotal Game 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, greeting fans with her trademark warmth and even sharing a sweet moment with a newborn. The scene quickly went viral: Clark, beaming, hugged the infant as cameras rolled, proving once again that her connection with fans runs deeper than just basketball.
Clark’s reputation for engaging with young fans—especially babies—has become something of a signature move. Whether it’s babysitting the child of an Indiana Fever assistant coach or stopping to hold a toddler outside Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena, Clark’s genuine affection for her supporters is unmistakable. Back in May, while sidelined with a quadriceps injury, she was seen cradling a toddler in Baltimore, and fans couldn’t get enough. That particular toddler, it turns out, was the son of Austin Kelly and Karima Christmas-Kelly, both assistant coaches for the Fever, according to Sports Illustrated.
This wasn’t Clark’s first viral baby moment, either. At a Fever charity event in August 2024, she delighted a fan’s family by holding their two-week-old infant and signing the baby’s onesie. The Fever shared a video of the encounter on X, with Clark telling the proud mother that her child was probably the “youngest [fan] to get an autograph” from the WNBA star. “So cute,” Clark said, her smile lighting up the room. For the Fever faithful, these moments have become as cherished as any highlight reel play.
But while Clark’s off-court charisma continues to win hearts, the Fever’s playoff journey has been marked by uncertainty and grit. The team advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2015 after a stunning winner-take-all victory over the Atlanta Dream on September 25. That triumph sent a jolt of excitement through the Indiana fanbase, who have been hungry for postseason success after a decade-long drought. The Fever’s reward? A semifinal showdown with the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces, led by the formidable A’ja Wilson.
Clark, unfortunately, has been watching from the sidelines. On September 4, the Fever announced that she had suffered a season-ending injury, removing her from the active postseason roster. It was a devastating blow not only for Clark, who had battled through injuries all season, but also for a Fever squad that had counted on her dynamic playmaking and leadership. After a rookie campaign that saw her crowned WNBA Rookie of the Year and set multiple league records, Clark’s sophomore season has been marred by setbacks. Fans and analysts alike have wondered: Would Clark be able to return if the Fever made a deep playoff run?
The answer, for now, remains unclear. According to team officials, Clark’s playoff return is “uncertain” and would depend on both the Fever reaching the finals and her health status at that time. That uncertainty has cast a shadow over Indiana’s postseason hopes, but it hasn’t dampened the team’s resolve. The Fever hosted Game 3 of their best-of-five semifinal series against Las Vegas on September 26, with the series hanging in the balance. Now, heading into Game 4, Indiana faces elimination. They’ll need to dig deep to force a decisive Game 5 in Las Vegas later this week.
The absence of Clark has forced the Fever to adjust on the fly. Without their star guard, Indiana has leaned on veteran leadership and a next-woman-up mentality. The team’s ability to grind out a victory against Atlanta in the first round—without Clark—was a testament to their resilience. But against the defending champs, the margin for error is razor-thin. Fever fans are hoping for another miracle, while Clark continues to cheer them on from courtside, her presence a source of inspiration for teammates and supporters alike.
Clark’s injury woes have been well-documented throughout the 2025 season. After a dazzling rookie year, she struggled with lingering physical issues, including the quadriceps injury that sidelined her for the Fever’s matchup with the Washington Mystics earlier in the year. Despite missing significant time, Clark remained a fixture at team events and community gatherings, always ready to sign an autograph or share a laugh with fans—no matter their age. Her commitment to the Fever organization and its supporters has never wavered, even as her playing status remains in limbo.
Commentators have taken note of Clark’s off-court influence as well. During her recent courtside interaction with the newborn, a broadcaster quipped, “I mean, this right now… This baby… Cat just picked up is like I literally have that effect on babies except for my own luckily and sometimes my own… There’s nothing worse than when you love a baby and they just don’t want anything to do with you…” The lighthearted commentary captured the joy—and occasional chaos—of Clark’s fan interactions. “Oh, she’s softened up to the baby. It was precious. I don’t want this… That baby’s gonna regret that. I don’t know…” the commentator added, as the crowd smiled along.
As the Fever prepare for their do-or-die Game 4 against the Aces, the focus remains squarely on survival. Indiana’s playoff run has already exceeded expectations, but the loss of Clark looms large. Her rookie season set the bar sky-high, with accolades and records piling up seemingly every week. This year, adversity has been the theme, and the Fever have responded with grit and unity. Whether or not Clark is able to return, her influence on the team—and the league—remains undeniable.
For now, Fever fans will have to wait and see if their team can pull off another upset and keep their championship dreams alive. Clark, meanwhile, continues to be a beacon of hope and positivity, her courtside hugs and autographs providing a silver lining in a season clouded by injury. The WNBA playoffs roll on, and the Indiana Fever aren’t done fighting yet.
