We are ready to close the book on a year of women’s basketball that gave us plenty to celebrate and just as much to endure. 2025 promised growth and nonstop brilliance, but it also reminded us how unforgiving the game can be. No one felt that more than Caitlin Clark.

For someone so closely associated with magic on court, Caitlin Clark’s year was instead defined by interruptions. Injuries struck at the worst possible times, limiting her to just 13 appearances and forcing her into an unfamiliar role on the sidelines. But if this year taught her anything, it was patience. With the setbacks now behind her, the Indiana guard is already focused on what comes next, eager to turn the page and start fresh.

In her latest Instagram post, Caitlin Clark shared a bunch of pictures with her family, friends, and teammates, looking back on the tough year and ahead to a fresh start. Her caption summed it up perfectly: “2025 you were a year… 2026 I welcome you with open arms let’s get it 🤍💫✨⭐️🫶🏻🤩.”

The love poured in almost instantly. Taylor Swift liked the post, and the wider WNBA community followed with messages of support and encouragement. It was a reminder that Clark is far from alone, as she now turns her focus toward getting healthy and making her long-awaited return to the court next season.

WNBA community floods Caitlin Clark with love after New Year’s post

One of the first comments came from a familiar face. Aliyah Boston wrote, “I love your life 😍😍😍 can’t wait for 2026.” While the season had its setbacks, Clark’s Instagram post showed that 2025 was not without joy. Time spent with her Fever teammates and the formation of “Tres Leches” stood out as some of the brightest spots.

Another big highlight was getting the chance to captain the All-Star team. She could not suit up and play, but fans still got a glimpse of “Coach Caitlin Clark” on the sidelines. She also made time this offseason to play in the Annika Pro-Am, showing she was still finding ways to enjoy the game. And through all the injury struggles, the people around her never left her side. Family, teammates, and her boyfriend were always there, something that stood out clearly in her photo dump.

Speaking of the photo dump, another fan said, “Caitlin with baby Zayn. It’s an illustration of when you have a baby. You’ll be parents with Connor in the future. It’s so cute to imagine🥹❤️”

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One of the lighter storylines of the season involved Caitlin Clark and baby Zayn, the son of assistant coach Karima Christmas-Kelly. Fans have seen plenty of clips during pregame routines where Clark playfully teases him, refusing to hand over the ball no matter how hard he tries to grab it. Those little moments became a running theme throughout the season.

That photo of baby Zayn resting quietly in Caitlin Clark’s lap caught everyone’s attention. One fan even joked that she would make a perfect mom. We will let fans have their fun and stay out of that conversation. But what we can say is this. The comment section only got louder from there.

“Love these pics! Sooo cute!! Can’t wait for 2026 and seeing you play more! It was a rough one for your fans!😂” one fan wrote, while another joined in to say, “2026 is gonna be your bestest year and we’re ready for it.. can’t wait to see you on the court again and your hustles. Let’s go, showgirl!!! ❤️❤️❤️”

That is exactly what everyone wants to see next: a healthy Caitlin Clark back on the court, doing what she does best. July 15 was the last time she played a competitive game, and the months since have tested everyone’s patience. Since then, her only on-court appearance came at USA Basketball’s senior training camp, but the wait to see her play competitive basketball continues.

Another fan said, “2026 is Caitlin Clark’s year. I believe you’ll be stronger than ever and 100% healthy. I believe you’ll play even better and be even more incredible. Let’s win the WNBA Championship and be champions. I’ll always be rooting for you and be proud of you❤️😍🥰”

After a rookie season where Caitlin Clark averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, broke rookie records for points and total assists, and led the league in both assists and three-pointers, expectations were sky-high. An MVP run felt inevitable this year, but injuries had other plans.

The quadriceps and groin injuries that slowed her down are now firmly in the past. Heading into next season, expectations are clear. Fans want Caitlin Clark to deliver on the promise and become just the second player, after Tamika Catchings, to bring a championship to Indiana.

The Fever were heartbreakingly close this season, falling just one win short of the title game. With a healthy Caitlin Clark, Indiana could finally take that last step and reach the promised land. As one fan perfectly put it, “2026 for the chip and MVP inshaallah”.