As a rookie in the WNBA, Caitlin Clark delivered on all of the lofty expectations that were heaped upon her.

The No. 1 overall pick in the draft, Clark led the WNBA in assists and three-point field goals made, leading the Indiana Fever to the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Clark also helped spearhead record attendance and television ratings for the league. For her efforts, she was named WNBA Rookie of the Year.

Heading into her second season, there’s still room for growth for the 23-year-old. Fever head coach Stephanie White, who was hired this offseason, said she’s already seen major improvement from Clark in one key area.

“She is stronger, first and foremost,” White explained to The Athletic. “She’s got a lot of self-awareness. She figured out right away that I need to get stronger, I can’t get knocked around as much. She’s done a great job of getting in the weight room and focusing on her strength, in terms of low center of gravity, time under tension, all of those things.”

The next step for Clark, White said, is “efficiency,” which means cutting down on turnovers and raising her field goal percentage, which was 41.7% as a rookie but never sunk below 45% during her college career.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 04: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever poses for a portrait after being named 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year on October 4, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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White is clearly a major fan of Clark, who she likened to pop megastar Taylor Swift for the way she handles her business and the attention she generates.

An avowed Swiftie, we’re sure Clark appreciates that comparison. The two hung out together at a Kansas City Chiefs playoff game in January, and Swift has promised Clark she’ll come see her play in Indianapolis this season.

In 2025, the Fever are expected to make the leap from playoff team to title contender. The organization has fortified the roster, signing Natasha Howard, DeWanna Bonner, Sydney Colson and Brianna Turner, while re-signing Kelsey Mitchell and trading for Sophie Cunningham.

On paper, this is a team that can push for a championship. Time will tell if they ultimately have what it takes.