Stop everything you’re doing because Caitlin Clark just set the tone for 2025 in the most epic way possible! The basketball superstar kicked off the year as the FIRST guest of the year on the New Heights Podcast. Yes, Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce brought in the biggest star in sports today, and Caitlin did not hold back. What did the WNBA Indiana Fever star have to say?

Caitlin Clark, one of the most electrifying players in basketball today, kicked off the new year with a bang, as she became the first guest of 2025 on the highly popular New Heights Podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce. And trust me, this interview did not disappoint! From jaw-dropping career revelations to candid takes on the future of basketball, Caitlin delivered an unforgettable conversation that left fans buzzing.

The episode opened with an energetic intro, highlighting Clark’s incredible achievements. With an NCAA all-time Division I scoring record, WNBA assist leader honors, and being a first-round pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, it’s clear that Clark’s resume is already legendary. The Kelse brothers didn’t hold back with their praise either, jokingly remarking that Caitlin’s resume made theirs seem downright “short.” This playful banter set the tone for what became a candid, no-holds-barred conversation that gave fans an intimate look at Caitlin’s life, mindset, and the future of the sport.

One of the most memorable moments of the interview was when Caitlin was asked about her favorite achievement. Her response? Academic All-American, a title that she revealed meant just as much to her mother as any on-court accomplishment. For Caitlin, these honors aren’t about the recognition, but about the process and the love she has for the game.

Yet, even as she brushed off much of the spotlight, Caitlin couldn’t help but express how proud she felt to be named Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year. Being one of the few women to receive such an honor, Caitlin emphasized how this recognition is bigger than just herself—it’s a significant moment for women’s sports, shining a light on the growth of women’s basketball and the increasing attention it’s garnering from fans and the media alike.

Caitlin took a step back to reflect on how she fell in love with basketball, sharing stories of her early days competing against boys and making her mark in middle school. What truly took everyone by surprise was the revelation that she had received her first college recruiting letter in seventh grade—a shocking moment that shows just how early her talent was recognized. Despite this, Caitlin’s parents made sure she had a normal childhood, shielding her from the pressures of recruitment and allowing her to simply enjoy the game. This humble upbringing has clearly shaped her grounded mindset and approach to her career.

The conversation also touched on her early years in college basketball and her adjustment to playing with some of the biggest names in the game. Caitlin spoke about the delicate balance of fitting into her team while also standing out as one of the most dominant players on the court. But through it all, she credited her teammates for helping her navigate this transition, emphasizing that the strength of a team comes from mutual support and respect.

Caitlin Takes on the NBA with Unfiltered Thoughts

While Caitlin’s career is one for the record books, she didn’t shy away from offering her thoughts on the state of basketball beyond the women’s game. With a refreshing level of honesty, she took a hard look at the NBA’s current product, citing a lack of rivalries and the changing style of play as reasons why NBA ratings might be down. Caitlin argued that the skill of NBA players is so high that it sometimes makes the game look effortless, leading fans to believe they aren’t trying hard enough. She also questioned whether the NBA had become too soft compared to the physicality of the past, an opinion that stirred some interesting conversations with her hosts.

As the conversation continued, Caitlin brought up the possibility of a four-point line in the NBA, joking that she’d love to see the change, suggesting that it could bring a new level of excitement to the game. The trio also tossed around ideas for how to improve the All-Star Game, from a return to East vs. West matchups to more exciting and competitive formats.