Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, former Iowa women’s basketball star, has been drawing comparisons to WNBA legend Maya Moore. Lisa Bluder, Clark’s former coach at Iowa, highlighted Clark’s off-court impact, likening her to Moore, who was a significant role model for Clark growing up. Bluder emphasized that Clark’s influence extends beyond her basketball s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, impacting young fans in meaningful ways.

“She is definitely making a difference in kids’ lives. For her, Maya Moore was a huge role model growing up. So now, she’s the Maya Moore of this generation, and she understands that,” Bluder said, per CBS Sports.

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“For her, Maya Moore was a huge role model growing up. So now she’s the Maya Moore of this generation. And she understands that.” – Former @IowaWBB coach Lisa Bluder on Caitlin Clark connecting with young fans

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Bluder praised Clark’s genuine nature and her willingness to engage with fans, recalling how Clark was inspired by a brief encounter with Moore when she was just 12 years old.

“She understands how important that was to her — to get that autograph after the game, to get that hug, to take that picture with … I just think it’s off the court, she’s so genuine. She’s so giving of her time, and she’s really an honest — and just the passion and the joy she plays with is so special,” Bluder said.

Maya Moore’s influence on Caitlin ClarkMandatory Credit: Brett Phelps-USA TODAY NETWORK

Clark’s journey to professional basketball was heavily influenced by her idol, Moore. A decade ago, Clark met Moore after a Minnesota Lynx game, a moment she credits with shaping her aspirations.

“Ten seconds can go a long way in somebody’s life,” Clark had said, reflecting on the encounter. “That’s a good lesson whether you play sports or don’t play sports, how you treat somebody matters.” This brief interaction, organized by her father during a family trip from Des Moines to Minneapolis, left a lasting impact on young Clark.

Inspired by Moore’s example, she has continued engaging with her fans as she transitions to the WNBA, particularly young girls who look up to her.

“I just try to take as much time as I can for those young girls because Maya was so nice to me when I ran up to her, and that’s something that’s stuck with me all the way until I’m 22 years old,” Clark has said.

Moore, who has been following Clark’s rise, has praised her for being more than just a standout athlete.

“She is someone, I think, who’s a lot more than stats. She tries to bring that passion and joy to her community,” Moore said. She emphasized the importance of being genuine and the impact it can have on others. “It’s super sweet to know that the time you take with the people who love watching you play matters and means something,” Moore said.

Clark’s influence is already being felt across the women’s basketball community. During her time at Iowa, she helped her team achieve impressive records, including securing the NCAA Division 1 record for most points.

Erin Achenbach is the Lead Women’s Sports Editor at ClutchPoints, championing women’s sports coverage and media representation. The St. Louis native graduated from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism and has covered community news the last five years.

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